Media releases

2011

Investment Manager Regime - Interim Arrangements

Foreign managed funds and their investors will have more certainty for the 2010-11 income year, following an announcement to extend the Investment Manager Regime (IMR) arrangements.

Improving Tax Fairness and Compliance

The Government has developed a package of three measures to improve tax compliance across various aspects of the economy.

Stronger Super - Self Managed Super Fund Reforms

The Gillard Government will provide funding to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to implement the Stronger Super self man

Additional Budget Funding for the Australian Bureau of Statistics

The 2011-12 Budget provides the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) with an additional $35.9 million over four years to improve and expand its statistical capacity.

Changes to the Low Income Tax Offset for Non-Work Income of Minors

The Gillard Government will enhance the fairness of the taxation system and discourage the tax avoidance that currently occurs when high income earners allocate their income to children under 18 ye

Removal of Income Tax Impediments Affecting Special Disability Trusts

The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, tonight announced the Government will introduce legislation to remove further income tax barriers that impede families from making financial contri

Superannuation - Reform of Excess Contribution Regime Gives Australians New Powers to Request Refunds

From 1 July 2011, individuals who breach the concessional contributions cap by up to $10,000 can request that these excess contributions be refunded to them.

Inspector-General of Taxation's Review into the Australian Taxation Office's Change Program

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, the Hon Bill Shorten, today released the Inspector‑General of Taxation's report entitled, Review into the Aust

Government Approves New Financial Markets Competitor

The Gillard Government today granted a licence to Chi-X Australia Pty Ltd (Chi-X) as an alternative securities exchange to boost competition in Australia's financial markets, as part of a broad age

Three Month Extension of Capital Gains Tax Loss Relief for Fund Mergers

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today announced the Government will extend the temporary loss relief for merging superann

Government Welcomes Final Competition Market Integrity Rules

The Gillard Government today welcomed the new market integrity rules announced by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) that will provide a framework for competition in equity

Future of Financial Advice Prioritises Consumers

Investors who receive financial advice will have more protection following the Government's announcement today of further details of the Future of Financial Advice reforms.

Reappointments to the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, today announced the reappointments of Ms Patricia Azarias and Mr James (Jim) Murphy each as a part-t

Government Extends Consultations for Tax Breaks for Green Buildings

The Government today announced it will conduct further consultations around the Tax Breaks for Green Buildings program to deliver the best outcomes for industry.

Consultation Paper: Review of Compensation Arrangements for Financial Services

The Government is reviewing the need for, benefits and costs of a compensation scheme for investors who lose their money through the misconduct of a financial service provider, Assistant Treasur

Greater Certainty for Sovereign Investments

The Gillard Government's commitment to attracting more foreign investment received another boost today following the release of an options paper discussing the tax treatment of sovereign investm

Extension of the Debt/Equity Transitional Arrangements for Upper Tier 2 Capital Instruments

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today announced the Gillard Government has extended the debt/equity transitional period f

Making it Easier to Exempt Taxes, Fees and Charges from the GST - Exposure Draft Regulations

As part of the Gillard Government's ongoing efforts to simplify Australia's tax laws, the Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, is proposing new regulations to specify which taxes, fees and charges

Ansett Workers to finally get information on Super Payments

Up to 11,000 ex-Ansett workers who have been waiting nearly a decade for their superannuation entitlements are a step closer today, with the Trustees advising the Government they will issue an i

Government Invites Tenders to Establish $12.1 Million Centre for International Finance and Regulation

Australian universities are invited to tender for $12.1m funding from the Commonwealth to host the Centre for International Finance and Regulation.