Media releases

2005

Further Improvements to Tax System Introduced

The Government today introduced legislation to implement a range of changes and improvements to Australia's taxation system. This bill will amend the taxation laws to:

State Taxes Impeding Efforts for Insurance Savings

State Labor insurance taxes of up to 82% are undermining the hard work done on tort law reform to deliver more affordable insurance cover for Australians, Parliament heard today.

Insurance Premiums More Affordable

Two independent reports to Government have shown further reductions in the premiums of Public Liability and Professional Indemnity cover following insurance reforms, Assistant Treasurer Mal B

Promoter Penalties Draft Legislation Released

Draft legislation dealing with the promotion of tax exploitation schemes has been released for public comment.

Review of the Administrative Arrangements for Tourist Shopping

The Australian Government is to review current and future administrative arrangements for tourist shopping in Australia.

Better Insurance Service Good News for Consumers

Federal Assistant Treasurer, Mal Brough, has congratulated the insurance industry for its commitment to improving customer service, transparency, and setting higher standards for general insu

'At Call' Loans to Small Business to be Treated as Debt

The Government today announced changes to simplify the debt/equity tax rules (Division 974 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 ) for related party at call' loans made to small companies.

Latest Research Proves Labor Wrong on Super

Latest research on superannuation has proven Labor wrong again.

Income Tax Law Improvements

The Government will introduce a Bill early in the spring sittings of Parliament to make improvements to the income tax law, including measures to:

Super Choice Arrives

From today, over 5 million Australians will have the right to choose their own superannuation fund.

No Changes to Income Tax Deductions for Capital Expenditure on Buildings and Structures From 1 July 2005

The Government today announced that a measure to bring the write-off for capital expenditure on buildings and structures into the uniform capital allowance system will not commence on 1 July

Election Commitments Introduced in Parliament

The Government today honoured its election commitment to introduce a child care tax rebate to help Australian families.

9 Years Down, 9 Days to Go

Australians will have the right to choose their own superannuation fund in 9 days, after 9 years of opposition from the Labor Party.

Government Committed to Raising Retirement Incomes - Not Raising Taxes

The Australian Government is committed to maximising retirement incomes for more Australians.

Tax Laws Amendment (2005 Measures No. 1) Bill 2005

The Australian Government will move some minor amendments in the Senate concerning the GST integrity measure dealing with the offshore supply of rights and options contained in Schedule 3 of

Improving Australia's International Tax Arrangements - Draft Legislation Released

Changes to the foreign dividend account rules will improve the attractiveness of Australia as a place to establish regional headquarters and help Australian based multinationals to become mo

Review of the Taxation of Plantation Forestry

Forestry and Conservation Minister, Senator Ian Macdonald, and Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Mal Brough, today announced terms of reference for a Government review of the app

Removal of Six Month Restriction on Superannuation Portability

Australians will be able to more easily move their superannuation balance between funds following amendments to portability regulations announced by Federal Assistant Treasurer, Mal Brough, t

Government Committed to Abolishing Super Surcharge

The Government's effort to abolish the superannuation surcharge hit a snag in the Senate today - The Australian Labor Party.

Tax Laws Amendment (2005 Measures No. 2) Bill 2005

The Government will make changes to Tax Laws Amendment (2005 Measures No. 2) Bill 2005 to ensure the GST real property amendments in Schedule 6 do not have any unintended consequences.