The government has called an election and is now in caretaker

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Media releases

2011

Shorter Product Disclosure Statements

Today, the Minister for Financial Services, Bill Shorten, provided clarity to providers of superannuation platforms and multifunds in respect of Shorter Product Disclosure Statement (SPDS) regime

Government Announces Final Element of Investment Manager Regime

Australia will aim to attract more foreign capital after the Government announced it would implement the third and final element of an investment manager regime (IMR), which was a key recommenda

Consultations on Draft Regulations Implementing the Standard Definition of Flood in Insurance Contracts

The Gillard Government is continuing its efforts to make flood insurance simpler and more effective following the release last month of the report of the Natural Disasters Insurance Review.

Consultation on Governance Arrangements for the Not-For-Profit Sector

Reducing red tape and simplifying how not-for-profits are managed and administered is the focus of a consultation paper Review of not-for-profit governance arrangements, released by Assist

Improving Access to Simple Financial Advice

Australians will have better access to limited financial advice with robust protections following the release of the details of new requirements that will apply to the delivery of 'intra-fund' a

Extension of Draw-down Relief a Win for Self-funded Retirees

Around 125,000 self-funded retirees will benefit from an extension of drawdown relief for account-based pensions to the 2012-13 year, with a 25 per cent reduction in the minimum payment amounts

Superannuation Guarantee age limit to be abolished despite a "No" Vote from the Coalition

Last week marked a win for older working Australians with the House of Representatives passing amendments to the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Amendment Bill 2011 that abolish the su

Superannuation Measures as Part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook

The Gillard Government today announced a number of superannuation measures as part of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

Changes to the Income Tax Law Affecting Consolidated Groups

The Government will introduce changes to income tax law affecting consolidated groups as part of its continued commitment to maintaining the integrity, equity and fairness of the tax system.

One-year deferral of interest withholding tax phase down

The Gillard Government will defer by one year its phase down of interest withholding tax, paid primarily by financial institutions.

Inquiry into residential strata title insurance

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs inquiry into claims processing (the Inquiry) will consider issues around residential strata insurance, particul

Coin kicks off UN International Year of Cooperatives

The Australian launch of the UN International Year of Co-operatives kicked off today at Parliament House with the release of a $1 collectible coin produced by the Royal Australian Mint recognisi

Over 660,000 Trusts to Benefit From Tax Reforms

A new consultation paper about modernising the taxation of trusts will give the trustees and beneficiaries of over 660,000 trusts the opportunity to have a say in their own financial future, Ass

Protecting client money in Over-the-Counter derivatives

The collapse of MF Global has underscored the need to investigate options for strengthening client money protections for over-the-counter (OTC) derivative transactions, Assistant Treasurer and M

Fixing flood insurance

Every Australian seeking to purchase or renew home and contents insurance will be offered flood cover using a common sense definition of 'flood' under proposals announced today by Assistant Trea

Protecting Vulnerable People from Inappropriate Lending

Financial counsellors will meet the Federal Government in St Albans today to discuss problems with payday loans and how to help people avoid spiralling debt.

Planning for Retirement made easier with new online tools

Working out how much money you will have for each year of your retirement has been made easier with the launch of a new online MoneySmart tool, said Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten and Parliame

Enough of the circus - how will the Coalition pay for their promises?

The Coalition already have a $70 billion black hole in their finances and with their latest policy back flip on superannuation they are now digging an even deeper hole.

Locking in the Benefits of the Mining Boom

Today's introduction of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) legislation to parliament is an important step in the Gillard Government's plan to lock in the benefits of the mining boom and delive

National Injury Insurance Scheme Advisory Group

The Assistant Treasurer, Bill Shorten, today announced the appointment of the National Injury Insurance Scheme Advisory Group.