Media releases

2014

Fairfax Media wrong

Fairfax Media reports claiming that I received money from Australian Water Holdings or repaid money to AWH are factually wrong. I have never received any money from AWH.

The School of St Jude

I am pleased to announce that the School of St Jude, established in 2002 by Australian teacher Gemma Sisia, has been listed as a Deductible Gift Recipient for taxation purposes under the Income

National Accounts - December Quarter 2013

The National Accounts released today show that the Australian economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the December quarter and 2.8 per cent over the previous year.

Levelling the aviation playing field

The Government will move to a single regulatory framework for all Australian international airlines.

Conclusion of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Sydney

Today marks the conclusion of the first G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Sydney, which is the first on Australia’s soil as part of our host year.

IMF backs key government policy initiatives

In its latest report on the Australian economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast growth will improve to its long term trend by 2017 and has endorsed key Government initiatives.

Appointments to the Future Fund Board

The government is pleased to announce the appointments of the Hon Peter Costello AC as Chairman and Mr John Poynton AM as a member of the Future Fund Board of Guardians.

Consumer Price Index – December Quarter 2013

Today’s release of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the December Quarter shows that inflation is slightly above the middle of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target band.

IMF January 2014 World Economic Outlook Update

In its January 2014 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update the IMF presents a cautiously encouraging outlook for the global economy.

Commission of Audit’s phase one reporting date

The Federal Government has granted a request from the Commission of Audit to extend its reporting date for the phase one report by up to two weeks.

2013

Foreign Investment Review Board appointment

Today I announce the appointment of Mr Patrick Secker as a part-time member of the Foreign Investment Review Board for a five-year period.

Media Accreditation Open - G20 Finance Ministers And Central Bank Governors Meeting

The first ministerial-level G20 meeting in Australia’s host year will be the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting to be held in Sydney on 22-23 February 2014.

Productivity Commission appointments

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Karen Chester as a full-time Commissioner of the Productivity Commission (Commission) for a five year period; and the reappointment of Mr Philip Weickhardt as

Foreign investment decision

Today I have conditionally approved a foreign investment application from State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid) to acquire 19.9 per cent of SP AusNet and 60 per cent of SPI (Australia) Asset

Financial System Inquiry

Today I am announcing the final terms of reference for the Government’s Financial System Inquiry and the appointment of four members to serve on the Inquiry panel which is being chaired by Mr David

2014-15 Pre-Budget Submissions

The Government is inviting submissions from individuals, businesses and community groups on their priorities for the 2014-15 Budget.

Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2013-14

Today, we release the first transparent and comprehensive account of the historic debt and deficits inherited from Labor.

First meeting of the Joint Commonwealth and Tasmanian Economic Council

The first meeting of the Joint Commonwealth and Tasmanian Economic Council was held today. The Council will bring together members from the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments, and Tasmanian bus

Foreign investment decision

Today I announce my decision to remove certain foreign investment conditions placed on Yanzhou Coal Mining Company, a Chinese state owned enterprise, restricting its ownership of Yancoal Australia

Timing of MYEFO release

The Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) will be released next Tuesday, 17 December 2013 at the National Press Club.