Leonora Risse: Canberra University economics professor on the cost of unpaid labour

03/11/2025 3 min
Leonora Risse: Canberra University economics professor on the cost of unpaid labour

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Episode Synopsis

New research out of Australia has revealed the cost of unpaid household labour - and it's a high figure not recognised in economics statistics. These tasks - including cooking, cleaning and caring for family members -are reportedly worth about A$688 billion, according to new reports.  Canberra University economics professor Leonora Risse says many of these tasks are essential services, and most of these are carried out by women. "If we're not recognising it, then what we're doing is we're not recognising women's overall contribution to the economy - the productive activities that hold our economy together. So it's about shining a spotlight on it." LISTEN ABOVE The podcasts in the SME Stream contain general information only, not financial or professional advice. Any opinions expressed in the podcasts are not necessarily shared by BNZ, or its related entities. BNZ is not liable for any losses resulting from the content of the podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.