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Media releases

2004

Release of the Productivity Commission Report on First Home Ownership

The Prime Minister and Treasurer today announced the release of the Productivity Commission’s final report from its Inquiry into First Home Ownership and the Government’s response to the repo

Major Package of Trade Practices Act Reforms

The Treasurer announced today a major package of amendments to the Trade Practices Act 1974 (the Act) to improve the operation of fundamental provisions in the Act and to enhance ad

Latham Doctors Transcript to Conceal Massive Financial Deficit

Mark Latham has today been embarrassed by the revelation that he has not been forthright or honest with the Australian people.

Fuel Excise Reforms

Today the Government is announcing the details of a comprehensive overhaul of Australia’s fuel excise system.

Foreign Investment Review Board: Re-appointment of the Hon. Chris Miles

The Treasurer announced today the re-appointment of The Hon. Chris Miles as a Member of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for a further five-year term.

AusLink Provides Huge Boost for Victorian Land Transport - $186 Million for Geelong Bypass

Treasurer Peter Costello today launched AusLink in Victoria with the announcement of a massive funding boost for the State, including $186 million to build the Geelong Bypass by 2008-09.

Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers' Meeting

The Treasurer will attend the 8th annual Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers’ Meeting, to be held in Rotorua, New Zealand, on 8-10 June 2004.

National Accounts: March Quarter

Today’s National Accounts show that economic growth in Australia slowed during the March quarter, following two quarters of very strong growth.

Nomination of Australian Alternate Executive director to the IMF

The Australian Government has decided to nominate Mr Richard Murray, a senior official with the Commonwealth Treasury, for appointment as an Alternate Executive Director at the International

Appointments to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Today I am announcing the appointment of two Commissioners, and the re-appointment of one Commissioner and one Associate Commissioner, to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (

Government Progress in Implementing the HIH Royal Commission Recommendations

On 12 September 2003, I announced the Government’s response to the recommendations of the HIH Royal Commission.

Appointment of Chairman of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Jeffrey Lucy AM as the Chairman of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for a three-year term.

Taxation and Superannuation Compliance

The Government will provide an additional $216.4 million over four years to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to address a number of identified compliance risks.

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority - Strengthened Capabilities

Funding for the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is to be increased by $52.4million over four years to ensure that Australia’s prudential regulator remains adequately resourced and

All States and Territories Better Off From GST

In 2004-05, all states and territories will be better-off by a total of $1.6 billion as a result of the Australian Government’s tax reforms, with all states and territories receiving more revenue

Offshore Petroleum Exploration Incentive

The Treasurer and the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources announced tonight that the Government will introduce a taxation incentive designed to encourage petroleum exploration in Australia

Small Business Tax Simplification

The Government has tonight announced a package of taxation measures aimed at reducing compliance costs for small business and providing greater flexibility to taxpayers in managing their affairs.

Fringe Benefits Tax Concessions for Public Ambulance Services

The Government has tonight announced that it will provide grants to support public ambulance services in the transition to a capped fringe benefit tax (FBT) exemption and will ensure that they have

Increase in Fringe Benefits Tax Exemption Thresholds for Long Service Award Benefits

The Government has tonight announced that it will increase the fringe benefits tax exemption thresholds for long service award benefits.

Final Response to the Charities Definition Inquiry

The Government has tonight announced that the common law meaning of a charity will continue to apply, but the definition will be extended to include certain child care and self-help groups, and clo