The release comes ahead of a six-week consultation period, during which time the Commission will be seeking feedback from the public.
Significantly, the five issue papers include a focus on the safety net provided by minimum wages, along with the inquiry’s other terms of reference.
“The system is complex and interlinked, so the inquiry must be broad ranging,” Productivity Commission Chair Peter Harris said.
“But just because we raise an issue does not mean we will recommend change in that area. We plan to undertake the analysis and hear what people think, and based on that we will reach conclusions.”
The Commission is due to report its findings by the end of November 2015, with a draft report to be produced mid-year.
Public feedback on its issue papers is currently being sought until 13 March 2015.