The government has called an election and is now in caretaker

Since this website is hosted by the Treasury, information from Portfolio Ministers might not be available here. You can find it on the ministers' party website. These party sites are not funded by the Commonwealth of Australia.

Media releases

2011

More Money in Retirement - an Historic Boost to Superannuation

In the biggest change to superannuation in 20 years, around 8.4 million Australians will have their superannuation savings boosted as a result of the superannuation guarantee rate legislation in

Robust transfer pricing rules for multinationals

The Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten announced today the Government will reform the transfer pricing rules in the income tax law and Australia's future tax treaties to bring them into line with

Government welcomes launch of Chi-X Australia

Mum and dad investors and other market participants will have more choice and benefit from more competition following today's launch of the new securities exchange, Chi-X Australia.

MRRT to Deliver $500 Billion Boost to Australian Workers

Households and small businesses will be big beneficiaries of the Gillard Government’s critical reforms to deliver a fairer return from the nation’s non-renewable resources, boosting the super sav

The definition of charity finally enters the 21ST century

The Gillard Government's commitment to introduce a new statutory definition of charity to clarify exactly what does - and does not - qualify as a 'charity' and as a 'charitable purpose' is a ste

ASX Reopens Equities Market Trading

I understand that ASX trading on the equities market was halted today at 10.05 AM after five minutes' trading, and that trading restarted at 2.15 PM.

Encouraging more investment in infrastructure

The Gillard Government is removing tax disincentives to encourage more private investment in infrastructure projects, the Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten and Minister for Infrastructure and Tr

New Stockmarket Supervision Regulations

New regulations to allow the Australian Investment and Securities Commission (ASIC) to recover costs from market operators and market participants (i.e.

Protecting Employee Super and Strengthening the Obligations of Company Directors

The Gillard Government today introduced tax legislation designed to protect workers' superannuation and deter fraudulent 'phoenix company' activity.

No Capital Gains Tax for Properties in Natural Disaster Land Swap Programs

Any property owners with investment properties involved in the Lockyer Valley Regional Council's land swap program will be eligible for capital gains tax (CGT) relief as part of the Gillard Gove

Challenge to Superannuation Guarantee Charge Fails in High Court

The High Court of Australia today confirmed the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act (SGCA) and the Superannuation Guarantee Administration Act (SCAA) are valid under Australia'

GST Treatment of New Residential Premises

Previously announced changes to the application of GST to newly constructed residential premises will not apply prior to 27 January 2011, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten announced today.

New Online Form to Find Lost Super

A new electronic form will make it easier to connect account holders with 5.8 million lost super accounts worth more than $18.8 billion.

Relief for Self Managed Superannuation Fund Auditors

Approximately 11,500 self managed superannuation fund (SMSF) auditors will benefit from proposed changes to the period in which auditors must provide their audit report to SMSF trustees.

New Consumer Credit Protections Introduced into Parliament

Better protections for senior Australians taking out reverse mortgages and vulnerable people who use payday loans are a step closer following the introduction of the Consumer Credit and Corporation

A Better Deal for Superfund Members

The Gillard Government's election commitment to deliver a better deal for superfund members is a step closer following the release of the final details of the Government's Stronger Super r

Small Business to get cash flow benefit

Australia's 2.7 million small businesses will benefit from a package of tax law amendments that will improve cash flow and reduce compliance costs by simplifying the small business depreciation rul

Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) - Release of Draft Legislation and Discussion Paper on Implementation Design

The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today released the exposure draft legislation for the ACNC, and a discussion paper to gather community feedback on elements of a new reporting fram

99 Per Cent of Agricultural Businesses Entirely Australian Owned

Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 99 per cent of Australian agricultural businesses are entirely owned by Australians.

Inspector-General's Report into the ATO's Large Business Risk Review and Audit Policies, Procedures and Practices

Large Australian businesses will welcome increased certainty around the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) risk reviews and audits of their financial practices, following the release today of the