Media releases

2013

Improving the new tax system for managed investment trusts

Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury today announced two further changes to the proposed new tax system for managed investment trusts (MITs) in response to issues raised by the MIT industry in the co

Benefiting Indigenous communities through native title reform

The Australian Government has today announced its support for further reforms to the native title system to continue to drive economic and social benefits for Indigenous Australians.

Appointment of a part-time councillor of the National Competition Council

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Linda Evans as a part-time Councillor of the National Competition Council (NCC) for a three year period.

Further market integrity rules on dark pools and high frequency trading and Australian market licence review update

The Minister Assisting for Financial Services and Superannuation, David Bradbury, today announced a package of market integrity rules directed at better protecting investors and the stability of

Striking a balance on employee share schemes

The Rudd Labor Government will begin consultation with industry about reforming employee share schemes to provide greater assistance to start-up companies.

Coalition tells families: "watch what we do"

Joe Hockey has once again refused to endorse his own party's unfair and costly paid parental leave policy and left Australian families in the dark.

Appointment of an acting full-time State/Territory member of the Australian Energy Regulator

The Government has appointed Mr James Cox PSM as the acting State/Territory member of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for a 12 month period beginning on 9 September 2013. 

Signature of revised tax treaty with Switzerland

Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury today announced that Australia and Switzerland have signed a revised tax treaty, which will replace the existing treaty signed in 1980.

Minor amendments to the Tobacco Information Standard

Minor amendments to the Competition and Consumer (Tobacco) Information Standard 2011 to remove the obligation on retailers to rotate the health warnings on tobacco products come into fo

Small businesses to gain access to the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal

Small businesses will now have greater access to dispute resolution for resolving complaints against APRA-regulated superannuation funds.

ACCC Commissioner Joe Dimasi

ACCC Commissioner Mr Joe Dimasi has today informed the Government that he will not seek reappointment to his position, due to expire in November this year.

Labor delivers real reforms to cut red tape

The Government has removed another 3000 regulations as part of its ongoing agenda to cut red tape.

Tackling base erosion and profit shifting

Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury has today released a Tre

App inquiry report released

Difficulty obtaining refunds for apps and digital content is one of the major issues to emerge out of the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council (CCAAC) inquiry, Purchases by Australian consumers on mobile and handheld devices.

Cutting red tape for restaurants and cafés

The Government has cut red tape for restaurants and cafes, who will no longer have to produce separate menus for weekends and public holidays when they might apply a surcharge.

Tax reforms to drive private investment in infrastructure

A new tax incentive to support up to $25 billion in new private sector infrastructure spending has commenced this week.

Reappointment of the full-time Inspector-General of Taxation

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Ali Noroozi as the full-time Inspector-General of Taxation for a further five-year period beginning on 6 November 2013.

New online charities register launched

Australia's first national online register of charities was launched today at an event hosted by St John Ambulance in Burwood, NSW.

Liberals re-hash old announcement on red tape

Tony Abbott is re-announcing ideas from two years ago, in an attempt to distract Australians from his lack of policies.

Government welcomes establishment of the Consumer Challenge Panel

Consumers will be front and centre of decisions on energy network costs with the establishment of the Australian Energy Regulator's new Consumer Challenge Panel, said Minister for Resources, Gar