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Media releases

2003

Australia-United Kingdom Double Taxation Treaty

The Treasurer and the British High Commissioner today signed a new double tax treaty (the new Treaty) between Australia and the United Kingdom replacing the existing Agreement a

Labor Split on New $470m Mining Industry Tax

A split has emerged today in the Labor Party over Labor's proposal to impose an extra tax on the mining industry.

Early Release of the June Quarter 2003 National Accounts

I have requested the Australian Statistician to consider releasing the June quarter 2003 National Accounts one day early as I am required to be outside Australia on the original

Labor’s Benefit for Sydneysiders – No-One Else Need Apply

The citizens of Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, ACT, Northern Territory, as well as people from regional towns in New South Wales will all be

Tax Deductibility of Gifts to Institute for International Policy

Today I am announcing the Government’s decision to amend the income tax law to allow tax deductions for gifts to the value of $2 or more to the Institute for International Policy.

Retirement of ASIC Chairman

The Chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Mr David Knott, has informed me that he will step down from the position at the end of 2003.

Appointment to the Productivity Commission

After consulting with the Productivity Commission Chairman, I am pleased to announce that Dr Ed Shann of Melbourne will be appointed as an Associate Commissioner of th

Commonwealth Inquiry into First Home Ownership

The Commonwealth Government has asked the Productivity Commission to inquire into the affordability and availability of housing for families and individuals wishing to purchase their first h

Australian Competition Tribunal Appointments

The Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, today announced a number of appointments to the Australian Competition Tribunal. All appointments are for five year terms.

Draft Legislation on the Definition of Charities

Claims that the tax status of charities has been threatened by draft legislation on the definition of a charity are false.

Appointment of Mr Graeme Samuel AO as ACCC Chairman

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Graeme Samuel AO as Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for a five year term from 1 August 2003.

Reappointment of Mr Ian J Macfarlane as Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Ian J Macfarlane to the position of Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia for a term of three years, from 18 September 2003 to 17 September 2006

Commonwealth National Competition Policy Payments to Queensland for 2002-03

The Treasurer announced today that the $270 000 penalty imposed on Queensland's 2002-03 competition payments would be lifted and reimbursed.

Reappointments to the Payments System Board

I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr John Thom, Ms Susan McCarthy and Mr Joseph Gersh as part-time members of the Payments System Board (PSB).

Consumer Price Index - June Quarter 2003

Today’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that the All Groups CPI was unchanged in the June quarter 2003 to be 2.7 per cent higher over the year, within the medium-term inflation target band.

Release of Charities Definition Exposure Draft

I am today announcing the release of an exposure draft of legislation defining a charity for the purposes of all Commonwealth legislation.

Commonwealth DPP to undertake HIH Criminal Prosecutions

The Treasurer, Peter Costello and the Attorney General, Daryl Williams today announced the Government's decision that the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) wil

Appointment of members of The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority

I am pleased to announce that the Administrator in Council has appointed Dr John Laker as a member and Chairman and Mr (Kerry) Ross Jones as a member and Deputy Chairman of the

Labor's Real View on Higher Taxes

A survey conducted by the Australian National University (Australian Candidate Study 2001) of the attitudes of political candidates has given a revealing insight into the Labor

Taxation of Discretionary Trusts - Replacement of Section 109UB

I am announcing today details of the new provisions dealing with distributions from trusts that the Government intends to introduce in place of section 109UB of the Income Tax Assessment Act 19