The Gillard Government is pleased to announce the invitation list, program and facilitators for the Tax Forum to be held in Canberra on 4 and 5 October.
There was a fantastic response from individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations applying to attend the Tax Forum, with around 500 expressions of interest received.
The Tax Forum will help identify priorities and directions to build on this Government's already strong record of tax reform.
As part of the discussion, participants will need to keep in mind the Government's commitment to fiscal discipline. To this end, participants will be invited to provide a statement that outlines their proposals and how they can be funded.
We are also releasing the program today for the Tax Forum, which sets out the timing of the sessions on personal tax, transfer payments, business tax, state taxes, environmental and social taxes, and tax system governance.
The invitation list and program are available at the Tax Forum website at http://www.futuretax.gov.au.
We are pleased to announce that the facilitators for the forum will be Paul Clitheroe and Michael Pascoe, who will bring many years of experience in taxation, finance and the media to their roles.
- Mr Clitheroe is a leading commentator on financial issues and is renowned for his ability to explain complex money issues in plain English. As Chair of the Financial Literacy Board, he has established a national strategy to improve the financial skills of all Australians through schools and the workplace.
- Mr Pascoe is one of Australia's most respected and experienced finance and economics commentators, with 37 years in newspaper, broadcast and online journalism covering economic, business and finance issues.
Since coming to office, this Government has made substantial progress in the reform of our tax and transfer system.
We have delivered three rounds of personal tax cuts, with plans to triple the tax free threshold. We are boosting national savings, by increasing the superannuation guarantee and providing a new contribution for 3.5 million low income earners. We have provided an historic increase in the age pension in a fiscally sustainable way. We are introducing better assessment processes for Disability Support Pensioners and better incentives to work for students, single parents and pensioners to boost workforce participation and strengthen our economy.
The Government is also delivering the Minerals Resource Rent Tax and using the revenue it provides to cut company tax and provide substantial tax relief for 2.7 million small businesses, many of which are not in the mining boom fast lane, as well as invest in critical infrastructure and lift retirement savings for low-paid workers.
The Government will build on this strong record and continue to search for ways to better meet the challenges of the patchwork economy.
The Tax Forum will provide an important opportunity to get a broad cross-section of views for the next steps for Australia on the tax reform road.