Media releases

The Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, today announced the appointments of Dr Michael Wooldridge as the new chairman of the Health Services Advisory Committee (HSAC) and of Dr Christopher David Mi

The Treasurer, Peter Costello, and the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, today announced the appointment of Mr Steve Edwell to a three year term as the inaugural C

The Treasurer today announced the reappointment of nine part-time members of the Takeovers Panel and the appointment of seven new part-time members of the Takeovers Panel.

The Treasurer and Minister for Small Business and Tourism today announced the forthcoming program for a number of reforms to the Trade Practice Act1974 (the Act) which will benefit Australia

I am pleased to announce today the appointments of Mr Barry Fitzpatrick, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adelaide Bank; Mr Michael Hawker, Chief Executive Officer, Insura

National accounts data released this morning by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that economic growth slowed in the December quarter2004, with gross domestic product(GDP) increa

Data released this morning by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that Australia’s current account deficit (CAD) for the December quarter 2004 was $15.2 billion reflecting a widening of

Solid progress toward the Single Economic Market agenda embraced last year by Australia and New Zealand was achieved today at the annual bilateral meeting of Australian Treasurer Peter Costel

Exercising powers under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975, I have decided that the Australian Government has no objection to Xstrata plc’s (Xstrata) proposed acquisition

I am announcing today that the Australian Government will amend the Trade Practices Act 1974 to introduce criminal penalties for serious cartel conduct.

The 2004 Economic Survey of Australia released by the OECD today provides a strong endorsement of the Government's economic management and Australia's economic performance.

Today’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicates that inflation remains moderate.

Following the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on 1 January 2005, the Government will provide a three-year transitional period for the purposes of the thin capi

Today’s Labour Force Survey shows that 29,000 new jobs were created in December. As a result the unemployment rate fell to 5.1 per cent — the lowest level since November 1976.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Eric Mayne and Mr Curt Rendall to the Board of Taxation for terms of two years commencing from 15January 2005.

The Treasurer today announced that the Commonwealth will make competition payments to the States and Territories (States) totalling more than $724.1 million.

In 2004-05, all states will receive a windfall over the Guaranteed Minimum Amount (GMA).

The 2004-05 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) released today shows that Australia remains in a strong Budget position in a climate of moderating - but solid - growth.

I am pleased to announce a number of appointments to the Australian Competition Tribunal. All of the appointments are for 5 years terms.

The Government will assist families further with the cost of child care by backdating the introduction of a new 30 per cent Child Care Rebate to 1 July 2004, enabling families to claim an ext