Andrew Leigh 2025

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal People, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, and extend that respect to all First Nations people here today.

Stephen Cenatiempo:

Time to talk federal politics. Well, we’re not actually going to talk much federal politics this morning with the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Member for Fenner, Andrew Leigh. Andrew, good morning.

Andrew Leigh:

Patricia Karvelas:

For the government’s view, I want to bring in the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition and Charities, Andrew Leigh. Andrew Leigh, welcome.

Andrew Leigh:

Thanks, Patricia. Great to be with you.

Karvelas:

Andrew Leigh:

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the traditional owners of the lands we are meeting on today.

Apologies in advance that parliament is sitting today. I’m afraid that parliamentary pairs are as scarce as a dataset with no missing values and perfect documentation.

I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country across the many lands from which this forum is being recorded and attended. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people joining us today.

I acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the traditional owners of the lands we are meeting on today. In so doing, I recognise that the issues we are discussing today have special resonance for First Nations communities. Governments that continually learn and improve will make faster progress at Closing the Gap.

Tom Connell:

Well, the government is making it harder for employers to have so called non‑compete clauses. It says they were out of control, but it is willing to listen on changes that might need to be made on its legislation. Joining me is the Assistant Productivity Minister, Andrew Leigh. Thank you for your time. So, you’re consulting on these changes…

In 1930, John Maynard Keynes looked a century ahead and predicted that productivity growth would transform the lives of future generations. Nearly 100 years on, Australia’s standard of living has soared. Real income per person is more than 5 times higher than it was when Keynes wrote. Our homes are larger, our education better, our healthcare more advanced.

The Government is taking the next step in reforming non‑compete clauses that are holding back Australian workers from switching to better, higher‑paying jobs.

Today we are releasing a consultation paper to gather insights and feedback from workers, business and the broader community about how we ban non‑compete clauses to boost productivity and wages across the Australian economy.