The government has called an election and is now in caretaker
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Media releases
2008
Crude Oil Excise - condensate exemption
The Government will remove the current exemption of condensate from the Crude Oil Excise. Condensate is a light crude oil extracted from natural gas.
Establishing Australia as a regional financial hub
As part of its commitment to establish Australia as a regional financial hub, the Rudd Government has acted to dramatically improve the competitiveness of the Australian managed funds industry.
Increasing the luxury car tax
The Government will increase the luxury car tax rate from 25 per cent to 33 per cent from 1 July 2008. There will be no changes to the luxury car tax threshold (currently $57,123).
Increased tax on 'ready to drink' alcoholic beverages
As part of our ongoing efforts to tackle binge-drinking, particularly among young people, the Rudd Government has reversed a decision of the previous government which allowed 'alcopops' or 'ready-t
First Home Saver Accounts - outcomes of consultation
The Rudd Government will deliver enhanced First Home Saver Accounts, with improvements arising from the consultation process to make the accounts simpler and fairer.
$4.4 billion to help families meet schooling costs
Australian working families are set to benefit from the Rudd Government's decision to create a new Education Tax Refund, to help with the costs of education.
Increasing the Medicare levy thresholds
As part of its commitment to working families, the Rudd Government will make major changes to the Medicare levy surcharge (MLS) thresholds to help ease cost of living pressures for families on mode
Investing in a modern federation
The Australian Government will establish the COAG Reform Fund to help deliver on a new era of Commonwealth-State relations.
Personal income tax cuts
In recognition of the financial pressures on many Australian families, tonight the Budget delivers tax relief worth $46.7 billion over the next four years.
Cost-of-living pressures
The Rudd Government has framed the 2008-09 Budget so that it delivers for working families under cost-of-living pressures.
2008-09 Budget - Delivering Our Commitments to the Future
The Rudd Government is proud to deliver the 2008-09 Budget, which honours its commitments to the Australian people.
Economic Background to the 2008-09 Budget
The 2008-09 Budget has been developed at a challenging time, with the Australian economy facing powerful countervailing forces.
Reappointment of Ms Jillian Broadbent AO to the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia
I am pleased to announce Ms Jillian Broadbent AO has been re-appointed to the Reserve Bank Board, for a further five year term, from 7 May 2008 to 6 May 2013.
Indirect Tax: Refunds and Amendment Time Limits
The Government will seek to amend the tax law to overcome an anomaly limiting the scope of the restriction on refunds to taxpayers if GST is overpaid.
Positive participation incentives of Government's tax package
Treasury analysis of the Government's income tax cuts estimates an unambiguously positive impact on participation.
Action against Vanuatu based tax avoidance and money laundering
Under the banner of Project Wickenby, Australian and international agencies have today conducted operations across three countries to attack abusive tax haven schemes linked to Vanuatu.
March 2008 Consumer Price Index
Today's inflation figure is a stark reminder of the price pressures Australian families face.
2008-09 Budget Lock-Up
The Treasurer will deliver the 2008-09 Budget on Tuesday 13 May 2008, with his Budget Speech beginning in the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament at 7.30pm (AEST).
Reappointment of Mr Gary Banks AO as Chairman and Commissioner of the Productivity Commission
I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Mr Gary Banks as Chairman and Commissioner of the Productivity Commission from 20 May 2008 up to and including 19 May 2013.
Treasurer attends World Bank Development Meeting
Today in Washington DC, I represented Australia's constituency at the meeting of the World Bank Development Committee (DC) — a joint ministerial committee of the World Bank and International Moneta