The Productivity Commission is the Australian Government's principal review and advisory body on microeconomic policy, regulation and a range of other social and environmental issues.

References to the Commission stipulate the length and terms of the project and may cover any sector of the Australian economy; address a particular industry or cut across industry boundaries; and involve wider social or environmental issues.

The Commission can undertake Commission-initiated research, and operates as the Australian Government's competitive neutrality complaints mechanism.

The Commission is headed by a Chair and between 4 and 12 other Commissioners, who are appointed by the Governor-General for periods up to five years.

A documentary was produced in December 2024 Opening Australia to the World: Celebrating 50 editions of the Trade and Assistance Review.