The government has called an election and is now in caretaker
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Media releases
1999
Update on Year 2000 Preparedness in the Australian Financial Sector
The Australian banking and financial sector is well prepared for the Year 2000 and
continues to be internationally recognised as being at worlds best practice.
GST Flexibility for Non-Profit Organisations
The Government will make important changes to assist non-profit organisations in
complying with the GST.
Consumer Price Index - September Quarter 1999
The September quarter 1999 CPI outcome shows that inflation in Australia remains in
check in an environment of continuing strong economic growth.
Taxation of Friendly Society Products
The Government will defer the starting date for changes to the taxation treatment of
funeral bonds, scholarship plans and income bonds offered by Friendly Societies, in an
effort to help Fr
Introduction of Legislation on Business Tax Reform
The first package of legislation implementing the landmark reform of Australias
business tax system was introduced into Parliament today. The Bills cover:
Productivity Commission Report: Impact of Competition Policy Reforms on Rural and Regional Australia
The Government is today releasing the Report of the Productivity Commission inquiry
into the Impact of Competition Policy Reforms on Rural and Regional Australia.
No Discrepancy on Business Tax Funding
Outlined below is a comparison of the revenue estimates for the integrity
and deferred measures outlined in the Governments announcement of 21
September and the estimate of the equival
Treasurer to Chair 2000 OECD Council
Australia has been elected to chair the Ministerial Council of the Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Australia to be a Member of New International Body: The G20
Australia has been invited to join the newly formed international economic forum, the G20.
Distributional Effects of Tax Changes
Attached is a paper described as "secret" by Paul Cleary in today's Sydney Morning Herald. This paper is not secret.
Australia Doubles its Contribution to Help World's Poorest Nations
The Treasurer and the Minister for Foreign Affairs have announced that Australia will
make a new contribution to an initiative for the worlds poorest nations to escape
the burden of debt.
Visit to the United States and Europe, 24 September - 8 October
From 24 September to 8 October inclusive the Treasurer will be visiting Washington,
Boston, Dublin and London to attend a series of key meetings and functions.
1998-99 Final Budget Outcome
An underlying cash surplus for the general government sector of $4.2 billion has
been achieved for 1998-99.
IMF World Economic Outlook
The IMF has forecast robust growth for the Australian economy, confirming only a modest
slowdown as a result of the Asian financial crisis.
Change of Embargo
The embargo for the release of the IMF World Economic Outlook has been
changed from:
11.00pm Wednesday, 22 September AEST,
Small Business and Primary Producers to Benefit from the New Business Tax System
The small business initiatives in the New Business Tax System that I am
announcing today will offer major benefits to over 95 per cent of Australian businesses
and about 99 per cent
The New Business Tax System
The New Business Tax System I am announcing today and the tax reforms now being implemented will take Australia into the next century with a modern, competitive and fair taxation system.
Appointments to the Financial Reporting Council and the Australian Accounting Standards Board
The Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello, MP, today announced the appointment of the
members of the new Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
Review of Business Taxation
The Review of Business Taxation chaired by Mr John Ralph and the Governments
response will be released by the Treasurer next Tuesday, September 21.
Foreign Investment Policy Changes
The Government has announced a number of changes to foreign investment policy.