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Media releases

2003

Appointment of Chair of the Australian Accounting Standards Board

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor David Boymal as full-time Chairman of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB).

Appointments to the Financial Sector Advisory Council

I am pleased to announce the appointments of Mr David Kent, Executive General Manager, Axiss Australia and Mr Les Owen, Group Chief Executive, AXA Asia-Pacific Holdings to the Financial S

IMF Says Australian Economy Continues to Perform Strongly

The IMF has predicted continued strong growth in the Australian economy as a result of sound fiscal and monetary policy and the Government's commitment to structural reform.

G-20 Ministerial Meeting, Morelia, Mexico

The Treasurer and the Reserve Bank Governor Ian Macfarlane will attend the 2003 meeting of the G-20 Finance Minsters and Central Bank Governors in Morelia, Mexico this weekend.

Consumer Price Index - September Quarter 2003

Today's Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that inflation remains moderate, with the All Groups CPI increasing by 0.6 per cent in the September quarter 2003 and by 2.6 per cent ov

Release of OECD's Revenue Statistics

The OECD Revenue Statistics released today show Australia as the sixth lowest taxed OECD nation in 2001, with a total tax burden of 30.1 per cent of GDP.

Victoria not Entitled to Pay First Home Owners Scheme Grants to Toddlers

Clear guidelines exist for the administration of the First Home Owners Scheme (FHOS) which was agreed to by all States and Territories when they signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Reform

Government Releases Exposure Draft Legislation on Audit Reform & Corporate Disclosure

Today I am releasing the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (Audit Reform & Corporate Disclosure) Bill and accompanying commentary for public consultation.

Working Party to Examine Criminal Sanctions for Cartel Behaviour

The Treasurer today announced terms of reference for an officials’ working party to consider whether appropriate criminal offences for cartel behaviour can be introduced into Commonwealth law.

2002-03 Final Budget Outcome

The Australian Government general government sector recorded an underlying cash surplus of $7.5 billion in 2002-03.

Australia Emphasises Importance of Successful Trade Talks at IMF/World Bank Meetings

A central theme at the IMF/World Bank Ministerial meetings in Dubai, UAE is the urgent need for the speedy resumption of the Doha trade round.

IMF Predicts Stronger Growth for the Australian Economy

The IMF in the September 2003 World Economic Outlook expects that Australia will continue to be one of the fastest growing advanced economies in the world next year.

Government's Response to the Recommendations of the HIH Royal Commission

On 16 April 2003, I released the report of the HIH Royal Commission into the failure of the HIH Insurance Group.

Treasurer to visit Israel and the Palestinian Authorities En Route to IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Dubai

The Treasurer will attend the Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank and associated meetings that will be held in Duba

2004-05 Pre-Budget Submissions

I am inviting submissions from individuals, business and community groups on their views regarding priorities for the 2004-05 Budget.

Labour Force, August 2003

Today's labour force data recording the lowest unemployment rate in more than 13 years once again demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of the domestic economy, supported by

Health Services Advisory Committee

The Treasurer today announced the membership of the Health Services Advisory Committee. The Committee is to be chaired by The Hon.

Appointment of ACCC Deputy Chair

Ms Louise Sylvan has received the required support for appointment as Deputy Chair of the ACCC following consultations with all States and Territories.

National Accounts: June Quarter 2003

Australia's economy slowed but continued to grow in the June quarter, despite being buffeted by a weak global environment, the worst Australia-wide drought ever recorded, and a

Balance of Payments and International Investment Position – June Quarter 2003

Today's balance of payments data show that Australia posted a current account deficit (CAD) of $12.7 billion or an estimated 6.7 per cent of GDP in the June quarter 20