Greater social inclusion can lift GDP by billions: Deloitte

Australia’s productivity has weakened in recent years, growing by an average of 1.1%- below the long-run average of 1.5%. A new report by Deloitte, commissioned by SBS, argues that a stronger focus on social inclusion has the potential to lift the nation’s GDP by almost $12.7 billion a year.

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While previous studies show that workplace inclusion in Australia has improved over time, there is still significant scope for improvement.

Workforce participation of people with a disability is almost 30 per cent below those without a disability; the gender pay gap remains at about 15% and reported experiences of discrimination because of ethnic origin or religion has more than doubled between 2007 and 2017. 

John O'Mahony, the author of a new report by Deloitte Access Economics, says social inclusion is much more than simply combating racism.

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