The Treasurer today released a discussion paper as part of a review of the future of the Commonwealth Government Securities (CGS) market.
The discussion paper outlines the key issues that need to be considered in assessing the costs and benefits of maintaining the market. The paper also seeks to make the issues accessible for an audience without a financial market background. The discussion paper is available at debtreview.treasury.gov.au
In recent years, the Government has adopted a strategy aimed at managing the reduction in Commonwealth net debt while maintaining the liquidity and efficiency of the CGS market. The 2002-03 Budget projections indicate that, on current policy, the holding of CGS could be eliminated by 2005-06. Alternatively, if a liquid CGS market were maintained, the Commonwealth could accumulate substantial financial assets.
Holding a substantial financial asset portfolio raises significant governance
and other public policy issues. The discussion paper therefore invites interested
parties to address the question of why it is necessary to maintain a CGS market
even if the Commonwealth is in a net asset position, and why private financial
markets need a CGS market to operate efficiently.
The Government is inviting written submissions in response to the discussion
paper. The deadline for written submissions is Friday 6 December 2002.
A Review Team within the Commonwealth Treasury will consult with stakeholders on issues raised in the discussion paper. A group of representatives from key stakeholder associations will also be formed as a reference committee to provide assistance on matters of detail arising from the consultation process. The reference committee will comprise representatives from:
- the Australian Bankers' Association;
- the Australian Financial Markets Association;
- the Australian Shareholders' Association;
- the International Banks and Securities Association of Australia; and
- the Investment and Financial Services Association.
The Assistant Director and Dean of Faculty at the Melbourne Business School, Professor Ian Harper, will also be included in the reference committee. The Review Team will also consult with the Australian Office of Financial Management.
The Government noted in the 2002-03 Budget papers that it would be carefully considering these issues, taking the views of key stakeholders into account.
This consultation process will ensure that all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input into the Government's consideration of this important issue.
A decision on the future of the CGS market will be taken by the Government prior to the 2003-04 Budget.