Media releases

The first package of legislation implementing the landmark reform of Australia’s business tax system was introduced into Parliament today. The Bills cover:

The Government will defer the starting date for changes to the taxation treatment of funeral bonds, scholarship plans and income bonds offered by Friendly Societies, in an effort to help Fr

The Government is today releasing the Report of the Productivity Commission inquiry into the Impact of Competition Policy Reforms on Rural and Regional Australia.

Outlined below is a comparison of the revenue estimates for the ‘integrity’ and ‘deferred’ measures outlined in the Government’s announcement of 21 September and the estimate of the equival

Australia has been elected to chair the Ministerial Council of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Australia has been invited to join the newly formed international economic forum, the G20.

Attached is a paper described as "secret" by Paul Cleary in today's Sydney Morning Herald. This paper is not secret.

The Treasurer and the Minister for Foreign Affairs have announced that Australia will make a new contribution to an initiative for the world’s poorest nations to escape the burden of debt.

From 24 September to 8 October inclusive the Treasurer will be visiting Washington, Boston, Dublin and London to attend a series of key meetings and functions.

An underlying cash surplus for the general government sector of $4.2 billion has been achieved for 1998-99.

The IMF has forecast robust growth for the Australian economy, confirming only a modest slowdown as a result of the Asian financial crisis.

The embargo for the release of the IMF World Economic Outlook has been changed from: 11.00pm Wednesday, 22 September AEST,

The New Business Tax System I am announcing today and the tax reforms now being implemented will take Australia into the next century with a modern, competitive and fair taxation system.

The small business initiatives in the New Business Tax System that I am announcing today will offer major benefits to over 95 per cent of Australian businesses and about 99 per cent

The Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello, MP, today announced the appointment of the members of the new Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

The Review of Business Taxation chaired by Mr John Ralph and the Government’s response will be released by the Treasurer next Tuesday, September 21.

The Government has announced a number of changes to foreign investment policy.

The Treasurer today announced an amendment to the income tax law dealing with the calculation of the market value of shares, or unlisted rights to acquire shares, acquired under certain emp

Following a sustained period of very strong growth to the March quarter 1999, GDP growth in the June quarter moderated to 0.2 per cent.

The Government has committed $15.25 million from its $500 million start-up assistance fund to help farmers make a successful transition to the GST.