Media releases

2012

Submission to the Fair Work Australia's Annual Wage Review

The Gillard Government today lodged its submission to the Annual Wage Review of Fair Work Australia (FWA). 

Helping businesses across the economy

Today I release draft legislation to cut company tax to help Australian businesses right across the economy - including the many businesses that are not in the mining boom fast lane and face challe

Tony Abbott say no to tax cuts for small business and companies

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has taken his negativity to a new low, today confirming that the Liberal Party of Menzies and Howard will actually vote against tax cuts for companies including sma

New appointments to the Future Fund

The Gillard Government has today announced the appointments of David Gonski and Steven Harker to the Future Fund Board of Guardians.

Joe Hockey says "No, No, No, No, No" to tax cuts for companies and small business

Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey today confirmed for the first time that the Liberals will actually vote against a tax cut for companies and small businesses being delivered by the Gillard Government

Foreign investment decision

I approve the application by Yancoal Australia Limited to merge with Gloucester Coal Limited, subject to several legally enforceable conditions under section 25(1A) of the Foreign Acquisi

National Accounts - December quarter 2011

The National Accounts for the final three months of last year were solid given the world was facing the most dire conditions in the global economy since the height of the financial crisis.

G20 Finance Minister's meeting in Mexico City

It is with regret that I will not be able to attend the G20 Finance Ministers' meeting in Mexico City this weekend.

Hockey finally admits to announcing $70 billion budget crater

Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey has today finally come clean on his $70 billion budget debacle, admitting he announced the budget crater on live television and adding that he 'shouldn't have said' t

Supporting the Great Barrier Reef's tourism industry

The Gillard Government will help ease the financial pressure on the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry through a temporary cut to the Environment Management Charge (EMC) on visitors to the Reef.

Superannuation roundtable

The Gillard Government is today pleased to announce a new Superannuation Roundtable to consider ideas raised at the Tax Forum for providing Australians with more options in retirement and improving

Consumer price index - December quarter 2011

Today's inflation figures show a moderation in headline inflation and contained underlying inflation, providing more evidence of Australia's strong economic fundamentals.

IMF world economic outlook update - January update

The IMF has downgraded growth forecasts in its World Economic Outlook update released today, citing the European crisis and deteriorating financial conditions as causes of weaker global activity.

Further appointments to the Energy Security Council

I am pleased to announce today the appointment of Mr Ross Bunyon AM, Ms Nancy Fox, Mr Stephen Parbery and Mr Michael Perry to the Energy Security Council.

40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the People's Republic of China

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and China.

2011

Foreign Investment Decision

Today I approve the application by FOXTEL Partnership (FOXTEL) to acquire Austar United Communications Limited (Austar), noting that a satisfactory resolution of the competition issues raised by

Queensland: Back Bigger and Better from the Natural Disasters

Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan and Acting Premier of Queensland Andrew Fraser today joined Maroons State of Origin legend Darren Lockyer to officially reopen Suncorp Stadium's refurbished dres

Visit of New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and Other Ministers

Today I am pleased to announce the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, will visit Australia as a guest of the Gillard Government from 27 to 29 January 2012 for the annual Australia-New Zeala

Better Broadband for Regional Australia

Businesses and households across the Northern Territory and regional Queensland will have access to faster, more competitive broadband services with the opening of Australia’s longest-ever fibre op

Vale Václav Havel

The Czech Republic has lost one of its greatest sons in the passing of former President of the Czech Republic Václav Havel yesterday.