Media releases

The Government will legislate with effect from today to introduce new provisions in place of Section 109UB of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 dealing with distributions from trusts.

Today I am releasing the report of the Productivity Commission inquiry "Review of Section 2D of the Trade Practices Act 1974: Local Government Exemptions".

The Terrorism Insurance Bill 2002 was introduced into the House of Representatives today.

I am inviting submissions from individuals, business and community groups on their views regarding priorities for the 2003-04 Budget.

The Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, and the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston, today announced the tabling in the Parliament of the

The Government's Baby Bonus initiative recognises that one of the hardest times for families, financially, follows the birth of a first child.

The States and Territories will receive approximately $740 million in competition payments in 2002-03, following an independent assessment of their progress in implementing National Competit

Today's National Accounts release shows that the Australian economy continued to perform exceptionally well in the September quarter, considering the effect of drought.

The 2002-03 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) released today, demonstrates the continued resilience of the Australian economy despite unfavourable international conditions and the impact

The OECD's latest Economic Outlook provides another positive assessment of the Australian economy, noting that "…economic growth is projected to remain robust, despite the current farm droug

The Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello MP, and Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, the Hon Ian Macfarlane MP, today announced the Productivity Commission had been asked to undertake

I wish to acknowledge the great contribution to public service made by Professor Allan Fels AO, following his announcement that he intends to retire as Chairman of the Australian Competition

Under the Conduct Code Agreement of the National Competition Policy agreed in 1995, the Commonwealth on 9 October 2002 gave notice to the States and Territories (the States) that it desired t

A majority of the States and Territories have voted against the appointment of Mr Graeme Samuel as Deputy Chairman of the ACCC.

The Government has agreed to extend the reporting date of the Committee established to review the competition provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974.

Mr McMullan has stated today that there is nothing inherently wrong with a Government having a cross-currency swap program.

The Treasurer today released a discussion paper as part of a review of the future of the Commonwealth Government Securities (CGS) market.

The Federal Government announced today the detailed plans of a scheme for replacement terrorism insurance.

Today's Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that inflation remains well contained, with the All Groups CPI increasing by 0.7 per cent in the September quarter 2002.

I am delighted to announce that Australia and China have this afternoon signed a liquefied natural gas (LNG) Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA).