Media releases

The Australian Government welcomes the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approval of a US$115 million Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) for Papua New Guinea.

The Treasurer will deliver the 2000-2001 Budget at 7.30 pm AEST on Tuesday 9 May 2000.

I have today approved the rail access regime for services on the line from Tarcoola, northwest of Adelaide, to Darwin in the Northern Territory.

Today’s inaugural meeting of the Ministerial Council for Commonwealth-State Financial Relations marks the start of a new era of Commonwealth-State financial relations.

The Australian economy continues to grow very strongly on low inflation, growing by a solid 1.0 per cent in the December quarter and 4.3 per cent through the year.

The Treasurer today announced details of a new test to simplify GST compliance for small businesses which provide financial services as an incidental part of their business.

I am pleased to announce the re-appointment to the Financial Sector Advisory Council (FSAC) of Mr Maurice Newman (Chairman), Mr Terry Budge, Mrs Patricia Cross, Mr Les Hosking, Mr Richard S

New, simpler GST accounting methods to make it easier for small food retailers to account for GST will be implemented from July 1.

The Government will not be changing the excise regime to penalise people who legitimately use paint solvents or other chemicals that are not subject to excise.

On 1 March 2000 I gazetted a Determination that lists the taxes, fees and other Government charges which will not be subject to the GST.

The Treasurer today announced his decision to reinstate $14.83m in suspended National Competition Policy (NCP) payments to Queensland.

I welcome the acknowledgement by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Beazley, that the GST is vital for the funding of essential services such as schools, hospitals and roads by State Governme

The IMF has endorsed Australia’s economic management and applauded the Government’s plan to reform the tax system.

On Thursday I wrote to my Ministerial Council counterparts in the States and Territories, seeking their agreement to a draft determination listing taxes and charges that will not be subject

Today’s Consumer Price Index shows that Australia is a low inflation economy.

Victorian Premier Steve Bracks today demonstrated ignorance of tax reform with a series of gaffes when he attempted to attack Coalition tax policy on Melbourne radio.

There is no fee for GST advice issued by the Australian Taxation Office. Nor will there be such a fee.

Today I am announcing further details on the capital gains tax (CGT) treatment of assets disposed of by trusts after 1 July 2001, the date from which trusts will be taxed like companies.

I am inviting submissions from individuals, business and community groups on their views regarding the strategy for the 2000-01 Budget.

The 1999 Survey of Australia released by the OECD today provides a very favourable assessment of the performance of the Australian economy over the past year and a strong endorsement of the