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Businesses Urge Further Red Tape Cuts as Australia Slips in Global Competitiveness Rankings

The 2026 Global Investment Competitiveness Index ranked Australia 21st out of 42 countries, down from 20th in 2024 and 18th in 2023.
Businesses Urge Further Red Tape Cuts as Australia Slips in Global Competitiveness Rankings
A general view is seen within the Nissan Casting Plant in Melbourne, Australia, on July 11, 2019. Michael Dodge/Getty Images
Rex Widerstrom
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Australia’s global competitiveness ranking has fallen again, prompting renewed calls from business leaders to cut red tape and boost productivity and investment.

The Business Council of Australia’s (BCA) 2026 Global Investment Competitiveness Index ranked Australia 21st out of 42 countries, based on seven key economic indicators drawn from 17 international indexes, with CEO Bran Black blaming over-regulation for the result.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.