A Survey of the Privatisation of Government-Owned Enterprises in Australia since the 1980s

In this article, a survey is provided of the privatisation of government-owned enterprises in Australia since the 1980s. In particular, the article evaluates the evidence that has been compiled on the success or failure of privatisation in enhancing efficiency in various industry sectors. In terms of efficiency improvements, some privatisations have been a clear success. In other cases, however, most of the improvements in efficiency took place after corporatisation, rather than following privatisation. In most cases, improvements in efficiency were also probably due in varying (and sometimes substantial) parts to regulatory reform, increases in competition and technological change.