Media releases

2009

Minister Announces New Citizenship Coin for Australia Day

Senator Nick Sherry, Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law and The Royal Australian Mint, has announced that the nation's newest citizens affirmed in Canberra on Australia Day will receiv

Government consultation on the Meaning of 'Understanding' under the Trade Practices Act 1974

Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, today released a discussion paper calling for submissions on the meaning and proof of the term

Australian Consumers to save with Unit Pricing

The Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, the Hon.

2008

CHOICE to Provide Expertise in Managing GroceryChoice

The Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen MP, today announced progress in giving consumer more information through the Grocerychoice website.

Government moves to ensure consumers don't pay GST on ATM fees

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today announced that the GST law will be changed to ensure that no customers will be charged GST on automatic teller machine transaction fees when ATM owner

Rudd Government Moves to Make Administrative Changes to Foreign Investment Review Process

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today announced administrative changes to the Government's foreign investment screening arrangements for acquisitions of residential real estate by foreign

Appointments to the Productivity Commission

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today announced a number of appointments to the Productivity Commission.

Families Urged to Keep Children's Safety in Mind in Lead Up to Christmas

Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs, Chris Bowen MP, today warned families at Christmas to be conscious of toy safety to help ensure a safe and happy festive season.

Appointments to the Australian Competition Tribunal

The Assistant Treasurer today announced a number of appointments to the Australian Competition Tribunal.

Bowen Launches Choice's Report on Good Practice in Consumer Protection Enforcement

Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen MP today launched and welcomed CHOICE's Good Practice Model in consumer protection enforcement.

Government Introduces Major Reform of Taxation of Financial Arrangements

The Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen MP today announced the introduction of the Taxation of Financial Arrangements (TOFA) Stages 3 and 4 measures.

Bowen Introduces Cartels Legislation into Parliament

The Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs Minister, Chris Bowen MP, today introduced into the Parliament a package of measures providing criminal sanctions for serious cartel conduct.

Improving the Integrity of Prescribed Private Funds - Consultation Paper Released

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today released a discussion paper to provide a point of reference for public submissions on the Government’s 2008 Budget commitment to improve the integrity

Tax Consultation Enhanced Through Launch of Tax Issues Entry System

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today announced the launch of the Tax Issues Entry System (TIES).

Australia Rated Highly on Transparent Policy Making

Australia leads the world in the transparency of its policy making processes according to a new research report launched today by the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Con

Bill To Regulate the Provision of Tax Agent Services

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP, today introduced the Tax Agent Services Bill 2008 into the Parliament.

Coalition Votes to Keep Motorists in the Dark

The Coalition has today seen to the defeat of Fuelwatch and the Government's attempt to enable motorists to find the cheapest petrol prices with certainty.

Consumers the Winners with Clarity in Pricing

Yesterday evening the Senate passed the Trade Practices Amendment (Clarity in Pricing) Bill 2008 that will increase pricing transparency so consumers will know the total price they are req

Release of Board of Taxation Study on Small Business Compliance Costs

The Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen MP and Minister for Small Business, Craig Emerson MP, today released the Board of Taxation's scoping study on small business tax compliance costs.

Consumers the Winners with Clarity in Pricing

Yesterday evening the Senate passed the Trade Practices Amendment (Clarity in Pricing) Bill 2008 that will increase pricing transparency so consumers will know the total price they are req