Media releases

2001

Queensland's GST Revenue

It is now obvious why Peter Beattie was happy to sign up Queensland to the New Tax System.

Capital Gains Tax Amendments and Private Conservation

I am announcing amendments to the capital gains tax (CGT) rules to ensure that landowners who set aside part or all of their land for conservation in perpetuity will not be disadvantaged.

The Facts On Saving

Mr Simon Crean MP today claimed twice on national radio that national savings are being run down. That claim is entirely false.

National Accounts: March Quarter 2001

Economic growth rebounded very strongly in Australia in the March quarter 2001.

Foreign Investment Approval of BHP Limited-Billiton Plc Merger

Under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act) I have approved arrangements for BHP Limited and Billiton Plc as dual listed entities to merge their businesses subject to a n

Tasmania Boosts Spending Thanks To New Tax System

The reasons are now apparent as to why Jim Bacon and David Crean were so eager to sign up to the New Tax System.

Thin Capitalisation And Debt/Equity Borderline - Changes To Exposure Draft Legislation

On 21 February 2001, the Government released an exposure draft of the New Business Tax System (Thin Capitalisation and Other Measures) Bill 2001.

Pensioners Below Seniors Age: Increase In Effective Tax Free Threshold

The Government has announced an increase in the pensioner rebate for individuals not of age pension age to $1,608 and to $1,155 each for couples, with effect from the current 2000-01 income year.

Cost of Motor Vehicles for Business to Fall

The cost of motor vehicles to GST registered businesses should fall by around 9 per cent as a result of the Governments decision to allow full input tax credits for motor vehicles acquired on or af

Senior Australians And Pensioners: Increase In Medicare Levy Threshold

The Government will increase the Medicare levy threshold to $20,000 for senior Australians, including age and service (age) pensioners and to $15,970 for other pensioners entitled to the pensioner

Victoria Boosts Spending Thanks To New Tax System

New spending announcements announced today by the Victorian Government are funded from the New Tax System introduced by the Commonwealth Government.

Uniform Capital Allowances System - Release of Revised Exposure Draft Legislation

Today the Government is releasing further exposure draft legislation on the Uniform Capital Allowance (UCA) system.

The OECD Expects Growth Rebound in Australia

In its latest Economic Outlook, the OECD is forecasting economic growth of 2 per cent for Australia in 2001 against a background of weaker global economic activity, with OECD area growth expected t

IMF/World Bank Meetings Focus on World Economic Outlook and Reducing Poverty

The Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington on 29-30 April focused on the world economic outlook and, in particular, recent downgrades of world growth prospects.

IMF Predicts Favourable Economic Prospects for Australia

The IMF has confirmed that Australia’s economic fundamentals remain sound.

Retirement of Edward Evans AC - Secretary to the Treasury

Ted Evans retires today as Secretary to the Treasury, following 43 years in the public service.

Consumer Price Index - March Quarter 2001

Today’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) confirms that inflationary trends in Australia remain in check.

Foreign Investment Proposal - Shell Australia Investments Limiteds (Shell) Acquisition Of Woodside Petroleum Limited (Woodside)

After long and careful deliberations I have today made orders under the Foreign Acquisition & Takeovers Act 1975 ("the Act") prohibiting Shell acquiring a substantial shareholding in Wo

No Excuse For States To Delay $14 000 Home Grant

Some States are delaying delivery of the new $14 000 first home owners grant. There is no excuse for this delay.