Media releases

Disaster Income Recovery Subsidy payments, made to Australians affected by the devastating floods and cyclone over summer, will be exempt from income tax after the Tax Laws Amendment (2011 M

The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today announced the earthquake that hit the New Zealand city of Christchurch on 22 February 2011 has been recognised as a disaster for tax purpo

The third meeting between the Federal Government and the Board of Insurance Council of Australia has resulted in clear wins for consumers and agreement between the Gillard Government and the ins

The Gillard Government will attract more investment by encouraging foreign-based companies to establish regional headquarters in Australia, as well as making Australian businesses with foreign o

In 1911 the first national Census was undertaken by the Federal Government. One hundred years later the Census remains a vital tool for planning for future resources and infrastructure.

As part of the ongoing reforms by the Gillard Government to simplify Australia's tax system, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, today relea

The Productivity Commission inquiry into the future of Australia' retail sector is now open for submissions.

The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today declared the Western Australian bushfires a disaster for the purposes of establishing Australian disaster relief funds, effective from 6 F

On 8 February 2011 the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, met with representatives from the financial planning, tax and accounti

The thirty year old tax treaty between Australia and Switzerland will be updated as part of the Gillard Government's commitment to reducing barriers to cross-border investment and attracting over

Australian workers and retirees will find it easier to find 'lost' superannuation accounts, after the Government today released draft legislation that will allow superannuation funds to use tax fil

Proposed changes to the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) tax law provisions will benefit participants in the scheme who provide low-cost rental accommodation.

Australian boat manufacturers and coastal tourism operators will benefit from proposed changes to the GST allowing boat buyers to sail new, Australian-made recreational boats in our waters for u

Paul Costello will chair the 'Stronger Super Peak Consultative Group', which has been tasked with advising the government on how to best implement the Stronger Super package, announced by the Gover

Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) will continue to be allowed to invest in collectibles and personal use assets like artwork or stamps, provided they are held in accordance with tightened

The Commonwealth Government has moved quickly to clarify how residential property is treated under the GST, following a Full Federal Court decision last year that found GST was not payable on the f

The Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, welcomed today's announcement by the RACQ that it will be providing a $20 million package towards Queensland flood victims, while calling on insurers to fol

The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten, today released draft legislation for public consultation on the Government's reform of the taxation of alternative fuels.

As part of the Gillard Government's Future of Financial Advice reforms, the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today released an

The Government has today announced that clean-up and recovery grants of up to $25,000, paid to primary producers and small businesses directly affected by the recent flooding that has occurred sinc