Media releases

2008

Final Budget Outcome 2007-08 and Transfer of Surplus

The Australian Government general government sector recorded an underlying cash surplus of $19.7 billion (1.7 per cent of GDP) for 2007-08.

Education Tax Refund Legislation Introduced Into Parliament

A key part of the Education Revolution is helping parents meet the costs of their children’s education.

Government Welcomes RBA Financial Stability Review

I welcome today's release of the RBA's Financial Stability Review, which concludes that Australia's financial system is well-placed to withstand the current difficulties facing global financial

IMF Highlights Resilience Of Australian Economy

I welcome today's release of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Article IV Report on Australia, which concludes "that the sound macroeconomic framework should permit Australia to weather the g

Foreign Investment Approval: Sinosteel's Interests In Murchison Metals Ltd

Today I approved an application by Sinosteel Corporation to acquire up to 49.9 per cent of Murchison Metals Ltd (Murchison) under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers

National Child Protection Week Launch

Today I joined with Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett to launch a national campaign to combat child abuse at Suncorp Stadium.

National Accounts - June Quarter 2008

Today's National Accounts show that despite global financial turmoil and the slowing world economy, the Australian economy continues to grow solidly.

Balance of Payments - June Quarter 2008

Today's Balance of Payments figures show that despite global financial turbulence and slower global growth, Australia is continuing to benefit from strong demand for our exports, with commodity pri

Children's Cancer Institute Of Australia Fundraising Campaign

Today I had the great pleasure of launching the Children's Cancer Institute Community Fundraising Campaign in Brisbane's New Farm Park.

Historic Announcement of a Mutual Recognition of Securities Regulation Arrangement with the US Securities And Exchange Commission

WASHINGTON, U.S. – The Rudd Government today signed a world-leading arrangement between Australia and the U.S.

Chinalco's Acquisition of Shares in Rio Tinto

Today I approved the proposal by the Aluminium Corporation of China Limited (Chinalco) to acquire up to 14.99 per cent of the shares in Rio Tinto Plc, the London Stock Exchange listed arm of

Treasurer and Treasury Secretary Release Australia's Future Tax System Discussion Paper

The Rudd Government welcomes the launch today of the Australia’s Future Tax System (AFTS) Discussion Paper by Treasury Secretary Dr Ken Henry.

APEC Meeting Adopts Measures To Support Structural Reform

Over the last two days it has been my pleasure to chair the first APEC Ministerial Meeting dedicated wholly to structural reform.

Structural Reform and a More Modern Economy

This morning I officially opened the first APEC Ministerial Meeting wholly dedicated to structural reform. 

Treasurer to Chair APEC Ministerial Meeting on Structural Reform

Today I will welcome Ministers and Heads of Delegation from APEC member economies and guests to the APEC Ministerial Meeting on Structural Reform.

IMF July 2008 Global Financial Stability Report Update

The release overnight of the IMF's Global Financial Stability Report highlights the difficult globa

Sunshine Coast Events Today

Today I am delighted to be spending the day on the Sunshine Coast attending a number of local events and joining the Prime Minister for celebrations for the 90th anniversary of the Nambour RSL.

Government Launches National Rental Affordability Scheme Prospectus

Treasurer Wayne Swan and Minister for Housing Tanya Plibersek today launched the prospectus for the National Rental Affordability Scheme.

June 2008 Consumer Price Index

Today's inflation figures show that Australia's substantial inflation problem has been made worse by skyrocketing global oil prices and the global financial crisis which are buffeting families alre

IMF July 2008 World Economic Outlook Update

The Australian economy confronts the most difficult set of global economic circumstances in a quarter of a century, with the IMF overnight highlighting the major global economic challenges we fac