Media releases

1998

Productivity commission inquiry into Australia's gambling industries

The Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello, will commission a public inquiry by the Productivity Commission into the economic and community impacts of gambling in Australia.

Productivity commission work programme 1998

Following the creation of the Productivity Commission on 16 April 1998 and my Press Release earlier today on the staffing of the Commission, I am now announcing the Commission’s work programme for

Establishment and staffing of the productivity commission

The full composition of the reformed Productivity Commission is announced by the Treasurer, Mr Peter Costello today, in a reaffirmation of the importance placed by the Government on the Commission’

Consumer Price Index - March Quarter 1998

The March quarter CPI outcome continues the exceptionally good inflation performance of the past year.

Reserve Bank Board Appointment

I am pleased to announce that His Excellency the Governor-General has appointed Ms Jillian Rosemary Broadbent as a member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia for a term of

Alienation of Property and Australia's Double Tax Agreements

The Government has decided to amend the International Tax Agreements Act 1953 to clarify the interpretation of the alienation of property articles in Australia’s Double Tax Agreements (DTAs).

Productivity Commission Reports on the Waterfront

EMBARGO 1.00AM, TUESDAY, 28 APRIL 1998

Appointment of Convenor of the Companies and Securities Advisory Committee and Members of the Legal Committee

The Treasurer has announced today the appointment of Mr Richard St John as Convenor of the Companies and Securities Advisory Committee (CASAC).

1998-99 Budget - Lockup Arrangements

The Treasurer will deliver the 1998-99 Budget at 7.30 pm AEST on Tuesday 12 May 1998.

Reforms to Strengthen World Financial Structures

Meetings held in Washington today have provided the impetus for important reforms to strengthen world financial structures in the wake of the financial crisis in East Asia.

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.