The government has called an election and is now in caretaker
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Media releases
2011
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
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.
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
Reappointment of Full-Time Commissioner and Deputy Chairman to the Productivity Commission
The Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, is pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Michael Woods as a full-time Commissioner and Deputy Chairman of the Productivity Commission for a further five
Government Acknowledges Contribution of Bernie Fraser
Bernie Fraser, long-time advocate for better retirement savings, has today announced his resignation from the boards of Cbus and AustralianSuper.
Discussion Paper Released on Privilege for Tax Advice
The Federal Government is exploring the merits of making tax advice privileged, similar to the way legal advice is privileged, following the release of a discussion paper today.
Financial Assistance to Trio's Superannuation Fund Investors
Over 5,000 victims of fraud from the collapse of Trio Capital Limited (Trio), will be compensated for their loss, following a Government decision announced today.
Improving the Taxation of Trust Income
The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today released for public consultation exposure draft legislation that will increase certainty for trustees and beneficiaries of approximately 6
Start Date of the New Tax System for Managed Investment Trusts
Managed Investment Trusts (MITs) have an extra year to get ready for the new MIT tax system after the Federal Government announced this week it will defer the start date of the new laws from 1 J
Future Regulation of Financial Planners Providing Tax Advice
The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, yesterday met with representatives from the financial planning, tax and accounting bodies
Double backflip by Shadow Treasurer
Joe Hockey has been pulled into line by Liberal and National colleagues after backflipping about taxing trusts twice in a 24 hour period, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten said today.