The passage of legislation through the Parliament to establish Australias new tax system is the key priority for the Government in 1999.
To assist the Government in co-ordinating its program on tax reform I have appointed Mr Philip Gaetjens, my Chief of Staff, to manage a dedicated tax reform unit (which will consist of five people) to deal with issues arising from the legislative process.
The unit will draw together existing resources and will co-ordinate issues for Ministerial offices and Departments with responsibility for tax reform. It will operate until the passage of the legislation.
Mr Gaetjens was involved in the development of the tax reform package, has played a key role on taxation issues, and has previous experience with the Senate, where he was a former Parliamentary Liaison Officer.
While Mr Gaetjens undertakes this important task, Mr Mike Callaghan has been appointed Chief of Staff to the Treasurer.
Mr Callaghan was recently the Secretary to the Task Force on International Financial Reform, was head of the Economic Division in Treasury and directed the Treasury submission to the Wallis Committee. He has been with the Treasury for over 25 years.
These changes will take effect from today.