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Media releases

1998

CLERP - Draft Legislation Released for Public Comment

The Treasurer today released draft legislation in the areas of Fundraising, Accounting Standards, Director’s Duties and Takeovers to implement proposals for reform contained in the Government’s Cor

OECD Economic Outlook 63 Projections

Today the OECD released its latest economic projections, along with an analysis of recent events in Asia and their implications for the world economy.

Visit to Washington D.C., 14 - 17 April 1998

From 14th –17th April I will be visiting Washington to represent Australia at the half-yearly meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and the Wo

Australian Competition Tribunal Appointments

The Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, today announced eight new appointments to the Australian Competition Tribunal. The appointments are for 5 year terms.

Press Release - Retirement of Mr Ken Stone, AO

The Treasurer announced today that Mr Ken Stone, AO is to retire from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). His retirement will take effect from 31 March 1998.

Commonwealth Financial Assistance to the States for 1998-99

The Commonwealth Government will pay, in full, the funding commitments to the States and Territories in accordance with the offer which it made to them on 17 March 1998.

AMP and Rothschild Group Banking Authorities

AMP and Rothschild Group Banking Authorities Executive Council has today, on my recommendation, approved banking authorities for the AMP Group and Rothschild Group.

Business Law Reforms to Boost Jobs and Economic Development

The Federal Government will introduce legislation in the Budget session to implement the most wide ranging reform of Australia’s corporate law to boost economic activity, small business and jobs.

Financial System Reforms - Implementation

As part of its drive to make Australia a leading business centre in the Asia Pacific region the Federal Government today announced the implementation of its new system of financial regulation.

Taxation Treatment of Spectrum Licences

The Government has decided to amend the treatment of spectrum licences under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA) and to make consequential amendments to the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Foreign Investment Policy: Ownership Structure for the Ten Group LTD (TGL) - Canwest/TNQ Float Proposal

The Treasurer has informed both CanWest Global Communications Corp (CanWest) and Telecasters North Queensland Limited (TNQ) that the Government has no objections to the CanWest/TNQ float proposal i

Foreign Investment Review Board: 1996-97 Annual Report

The Foreign Investment Review Board’s 1996-97 Annual Report was released today. The main points in the FIRB’S 1996-97 annual report are as follows:

National Accounts: December Quarter 1997

Today’s National Accounts show continuing strong economic growth with the Australian economy growing by 3.6 per cent through the year to the December quarter 1997.

Balance of Payments: December Quarter 1997

The balance of payments estimates for the December quarter 1997 indicate a seasonally adjusted current account deficit of $5,736 million.

Hire Purchase and Limited Recourse Debt Transactions

In the 1997-98 Budget the Government announced it would amend the income tax law in relation to property acquired under hire purchase or limited recourse finance arrangements.

Private New Capital Expenditure

The Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, welcomed the Private New Capital Expenditure figures released by the ABS as a further indication of the strength of domestic demand.

Australia Not to Subscribe to Additional Shares in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The Treasurer today announced that Australia would not be subscribing to additional shares allocated to it in the recent general capital increase of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Develop

Commonwealth Legislation Review and Competitive Neutrality Annual Reports

I am today releasing annual reports on the Commonwealth’s progress in undertaking Legislation Review and the implementation of Competitive Neutrality policy in 1996-97.

Tax Reform: Officials' Papers on Taxation of Trusts, Life Insurance and Limited Partnerships

In the 1997-98 Budget, I announced that the Government would review the taxation of trusts and as part of that process, the Treasury and the Australian Taxation Office would release a discussion pa

IC Report on State, Territory and Local Government Assistance to Industry

The Government released today the Industry Commission’s final report on State, Territory and Local Government Assistance to Industry.