Media releases

2006

James Hardie Must Now Fulfil Obligations to Asbestos Victims

The Treasurer, Peter Costello, welcomed the announcement by James Hardie that it has finally reached agreement with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on the taxation issues relating to funding a

Nomination of Australian Director to the Asian Development Bank, Manila

The Treasurer today announced the nomination of Mr Phil Bowen PSM, a senior official with the Department of Finance and Administration, for appointment as Director, Asian Development Bank (ADB) fr

Revised ABS Government Financial Estimates 2006-07

ABS Government Financial Estimates released today show that the Australian Government is budgeting a fiscal surplus of $10.8 billion in 2006‑07.

Government Delivers Cleaner Diesel Standards

The diesel component of the Cleaner Fuels measure will come into force on 1 January 2007.  This aims to ensure that Australia's diesel and our urban environments remain amongst the cleane

Consumer Price Index - September Quarter

Today’s All Groups Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.9 per cent in the September quarter 2006, to be 3.9 per cent higher than a year ago.

$125M Towards a Lower Emission Future

Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, and Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane today announced the first two projects under the Australian Government’s $500 million Low Emissions Technology Demonst

IMF Commends Australia's "Sound Macroeconomic Environment"

The IMF has commended Australia’s sound macroeconomic management and continuing structural reform, which it says has underpinned Australia’s sustained strong economic performance.

Small Business Win on Trade Practices Act Reform

The Government is delighted with the passage today of the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill (No 1) 2005 (the Dawson Bill).

Trade Practices Act Reform

Today we announce that the Government will refine the Trade Practices Legislation Amendment Bill (No 1) 2005 (the Dawson Bill) to strengthen the role of the Australian Competiti

Foreign Investment Proposal: Thales Australia Holdings Pty Limited Acquisition of Remaining 50 Per Cent Interest in Adi Limited

I have today raised no objections under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 to the proposed acquisition by Thales Australia Holdings Pty Limited, from Transfield Holdings Pty

OECD Revenue Statistics 2006 Edition

Australia is the eighth lowest taxing country in the 30 member OECD according to the latest edition of OECD Revenue Statistics.  The chart below shows the member countries’ total taxation

Board of Taxation Reviews

As part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the tax system is operating effectively, I have asked the Board of Taxation to undertake reviews of two different aspects of the tax system

Appointment of Member of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC)

Following consultation with the members of the Ministerial Council for Corporations, it is the Australian Government’s intention to recommend to the Governor‑General that Mr Tony D’Aloisio be ap

Transfer of 2005-06 Budget Surplus to The Future Fund

The Government will transfer $13.638 billion to the Future Fund during 2006-07.

2005-06 Final Budget Outcome

The Australian Government general government sector recorded an underlying cash surplus of $15.8 billion (1.6 per cent of GDP) in 2005-06.

School Trade Fair Teaches Students about Financial Literacy

The Treasurer today officially opened the Life Skills Technology Quest and Trade Fair in Maitland in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales.  At the Fair 600 local school students used a new ‘curr

Number of Births Soars

Preliminary figures released today by the ABS show that total births in Australia in 2005 is now estimated at 265,031.

Third Statement on the Conduct of Monetary Policy

Following my announcement of the appointment of Mr Glenn Stevens as Governor of the Reserve Bank from 18 September 2006, I have agreed with Mr Stevens that it is timely for the Government and the R

ASIC Chairman Appointed as Chair of International Audit Regulators Forum

The Government today welcomed the appointment of ASIC Chairman Jeff Lucy as the inaugural Chairman of the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators.