The government has called an election and is now in caretaker
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Media releases
2011
Government Moves on Flood Insurance Fine Print
People should know exactly what is, and what is not, covered under their insurance policies, according to a new consultation paper announced today at a public meeting in Ipswich by Assistant Treasu
Consultation on Changes to the Tourist Refund Scheme and the Sealed Bag Rules - Supporting International Security Arrangements
Draft regulation amendments released for public consultation today will mean that tourists in Australia will find it easier to claim a refund on duty-free purchases and have more certainty about
Board of Taxation to Review the Consolidation Rights to Future Income Rules
Uncertainty around the operation of the 'consolidation rights to future income and residual tax cost setting rules' has prompted the Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, to commission the Board of
8.4 Million Australians to Benefit from More Super
A better return from the finite resources owned by all Australians will also help secure the financial future of 8.4 million Australian workers.
Australians Can Now Donate Directly to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
Australians will be able to make tax deductible donations directly to the New Zealand Government's Christchurch Earthquake Appeal after the Government agreed today to list the Appeal by name in the
Tax Office Implementing Inspector-General's Recommendations
The Australian Taxation Office (Tax Office) has advanced the vast majority of recommendations made by the Inspector‑General of Taxation (Inspector-General) to improve the functioning of the Tax off
Declaration of a Disaster for the Purpose of Tax Deductibility - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
The Assistant Treasurer, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, today declared that the earthquake and tsunami that hit North-Eastern Japan on 11 March 2011 a disaster for tax purposes.
National Disasters Insurance Review
The Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, has today announced a review into disaster insurance in Australia.
Providing Certainty for Trusts
In his speech today to the 26th annual Taxation Institut
Government Welcomes Important Milestone in Competition in Exchange Markets
The Gillard Government today welcomed the release of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) intended market integrity rule framework and timetable for the Australian excha
Removing the Hassle of a Shoebox Full of Receipts
Australian taxpayers will be able to claim a $500 standard income tax deduction, without receipts, instead of going to the hassle of using receipts to claim work-related expenses and the cost of
Over 50's Can Save More Super
The Gillard Government will introduce higher superannuation concessional contribution caps for individuals aged 50 and over, following the release today of a discussion paper by the Assistant Tr
Ensuring Disaster Payments Are Income Tax Exempt
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
Declaration of a Disaster for Tax Purposes - Christchurch Earthquake
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
Insurance Industry Embraces Consumer Changes on Flood Insurance
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
Government moves to attract more regional headquarters of foreign businesses
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
100 Years of Census: Help Shed Some Light on Your Neighbourhood
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.
Simplyfing the GST on Cross-border Transactions
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
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Retail Sector now open for submissions
The Productivity Commission inquiry into the future of Australia' retail sector is now open for submissions.
Western Australian Bushfires and Victorian Floods In February Declared Disasters for Tax Purposes
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