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Media releases
2006
Making Tax Compliance Easier for Small Business - The New Small Business Framework
The Treasurer and Minister for Small Business today announced that the Government will introduce legislation to standardise the eligibility criteria for small business tax concessions from 1 July 2
James Hardie Must Now Fulfil Obligations to Asbestos Victims
The Treasurer, Peter Costello, welcomed the announcement by James Hardie that it has finally reached agreement with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on the taxation issues relating to funding a
Foreign Investment: Brambles Industries Limited
In July 2001, I raised no objections under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 to a proposal for Brambles Industries Limited to merge with the support services activities of GKN plc (wh
Nomination of Australian Director to the Asian Development Bank, Manila
The Treasurer today announced the nomination of Mr Phil Bowen PSM, a senior official with the Department of Finance and Administration, for appointment as Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB) fr
Revised ABS Government Financial Estimates 2006-07
ABS Government Financial Estimates released today show that the Australian Government is budgeting a fiscal surplus of $10.8 billion in 2006‑07.
Government Delivers Cleaner Diesel Standards
The diesel component of the Cleaner Fuels measure will come into force on 1 January 2007. This aims to ensure that Australia's diesel and our urban environments remain amongst the c
$125M Towards a Lower Emission Future
Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane today announced the first two projects under the Australian Government’s $500 million Low Emissions Technology Demonst
Consumer Price Index - September Quarter
Today’s All Groups Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.9 per cent in the September quarter 2006, to be 3.9 per cent higher than a year ago.
IMF Commends Australia's "Sound Macroeconomic Environment"
The IMF has commended Australia’s sound macroeconomic management and continuing structural reform, which it says has underpinned Australia’s sustained strong economic performance.
Small Business Win on Trade Practices Act Reform
The Government is delighted with the passage today of the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill
(No 1) 2005 (the Dawson Bill).
Trade Practices Act Reform
Today we announce that the Government will refine the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill (No 1) 2005 (the Dawson Bill) to strengthen the role of the Australian Competiti
Foreign Investment Proposal: Thales Australia Holdings Pty Limited Acquisition of Remaining 50 Per Cent Interest in Adi Limited
I have today raised no objections under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 to the proposed acquisition by Thales Australia Holdings Pty Limited, from Transfield Holdings Pty
OECD Revenue Statistics 2006 Edition
Australia is the eighth lowest taxing country in the 30 member OECD according to the latest edition of OECD Revenue Statistics. The chart below shows the member countries’ total taxa
Board of Taxation Reviews
As part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the tax system is operating effectively, I have asked the Board of Taxation to undertake reviews of two different aspects of the tax s
Appointment of Member of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)
Following consultation with the members of the Ministerial Council for Corporations, it is the Australian Government’s intention to recommend to the Governor‑General that Mr Tony
School Trade Fair Teaches Students about Financial Literacy
The Treasurer today officially opened the Life Skills Technology Quest and Trade Fair in Maitland in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales. At the Fair 600 local school students used a new
Transfer of 2005-06 Budget Surplus to The Future Fund
The Government will transfer $13.638 billion to the Future Fund during 2006-07.
2005-06 Final Budget Outcome
The Australian Government general government sector recorded an underlying cash surplus of $15.8 billion (1.6 per cent of GDP) in 2005-06.
Number of Births Soars
Preliminary figures released today by the ABS show that total births in Australia in 2005 is now estimated at 265,031.