Media releases

The OECD’s latest Economic Outlook provides a positive assessment of the Australian economy, with economic growth and employment forecast to improve and inflation expected to remain low.

Today I am announcing the Government’s decision to review aspects of the income tax self-assessment system.

With the appointment of Mr Ross Cameron MP as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, I would like to announce his responsibilities within the Treasury portfolio.

Mr Latham has proposed death duties as part of his Progressive Expenditure Tax (PET).

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Louise Sylvan as the Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for a term commencing on 6 November 2003 a

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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