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Media releases

2004

Board Of Taxation Appointments

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Eric Mayne and Mr Curt Rendall to the Board of Taxation for terms of two years commencing from 15January 2005.

National Competition Policy Payments to States and Territories for 2004

The Treasurer today announced that the Commonwealth will make competition payments to the States and Territories (States) totalling more than $724.1 million.

States Receive GST Windfall

In 2004-05, all states will receive a windfall over the Guaranteed Minimum Amount (GMA).

2004-05 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook

The 2004-05 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) released today shows that Australia remains in a strong Budget position in a climate of moderating - but solid - growth.

New Early Start Date For Child Care Rebate

The Government will assist families further with the cost of child care by backdating the introduction of a new 30 per cent Child Care Rebate to 1 July 2004, enabling families to claim an ext

Australian Competition Tribunal Appointments

I am pleased to announce a number of appointments to the Australian Competition Tribunal. All of the appointments are for 5 years terms.

Outcome of the Review of Aspects of Income Tax Self Assessment

Today I am pleased to announce the Government’s response to the report I commissioned on the Review of Aspects of Income Tax Self Assessment, and release this report to the public.

Extension of Mr Stephen Sedgwick's Appointment as Director to the Asian Development Bank, Manila

The Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello MP, today announced that the Government will extend Mr Stephen Sedgwick’s appointment as Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila for a fur

Incomes Rise Across the Board

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Household Income and Income Distribution publication for 2002-2003 shows that living standards have increased considerably since 1995-96.

National Accounts: September Quarter 2004

Today’s National Accounts indicate that economic activity slowed in Australia in the September quarter 2004.

OECD Upbeat on Australian Economic Performance

The OECD’s latest Economic Outlook provides a glowing assessment of the Australian economy. The OECD expects a continuation of strong economic growth over the next two years.

James Hardie Investigations and Proceedings

The Treasurer today announced that new legislation would be introduced this week to facilitate a comprehensive investigation of matters arising from the James Hardie Special Commission of Inq

Australia to be Chairman and Host the Group of Twenty (G-20) in 2006

The Group of Twenty (G-20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting in Berlin today appointed Australia to chair the grouping in 2006.

Treasurer to Attend G-20 in Berlin

The Treasurer will attend the Group of Twenty (G-20) Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors which will be held in Berlin on 20-21 November 2004.

Australia Forgives Ethiopia's Debt

The Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello MP, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Alexander Downer MP and the Minister for Trade, the Hon Mark Vaile MP, are pleased to announce tha

IMF Commends Australia's Strong Economic Performance

The IMF Executive Board has commended Australia’s strong economic performance and reform record in its annual assessment of the Australian economy.

2005-06 Pre-Budget Submissions

I am inviting submissions from individuals, business and community groups on their views regarding priorities for the 2005-06 Budget.

Release of Draft Inquiry Report into National Competition Policy Arrangements

The Treasurer, Peter Costello, today announced the release of the Productivity Commission’s Discussion Draft on National Competition Policy (NCP) Arrangements.

Consumer Price Index - September Quarter 2004

Today’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) confirms that inflation remains low, with the All Groups CPI increasing by 0.4 per cent in the September quarter 2004.

Lending Finance, August 2004

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Lending Finance for August 2004 shows that personal finance commitments fell by 3.5 per cent in August to be 8.7 per cent lowe