Media releases

2012

Hong Kong Visit to promote opportunities in the Asian Century

Today I will meet with senior government and business leaders in Hong Kong to strengthen Australia's economic links in our region and promote the huge opportunities that lie ahead as the weight

New measures starting today to empower Australian banking customers

From today, Australians will have more freedom than ever before to walk down the road and get a better deal on their hard-earned savings, with the introduction of a new 'tick and flick' switchin

Landmark tax reforms for households and businesses start tomorrow

The Gillard Government is proud to deliver landmark tax reforms starting tomorrow to build a stronger, more productive economy and provide real benefits for households and businesses

Resource tax reforms start spreading benefits of the boom from tomorrow

From tomorrow, millions more Australians will share in the benefits and opportunities of the mining boom thanks to the Gillard Government's historic resource tax reforms, and the suite of measure

Senate passes Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill

Tonight, the Senate has passed the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Bill 2012, paving the way for the establishment of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.

Historic equal remuneration order for hard-working community sector workers

About 150,000 of some of Australia's lowest paid workers will benefit from regular pay rises totalling between 23 and 45 per cent from 1 December this year.

Passenger Movement Charge

The Government today commenced debate on the Passenger Movement Charge Amendment Bill in the House of Representatives.

New payments for families with school kids starts today

1.3 million families from across Australia will today begin receiving the Gillard Government's Schoolkids Bonus in their bank accounts to help with school costs.

Payments for families with schoolkids start tomorrow

From tomorrow, 1.3 million Australian families will receive a boost to their budgets to help with school costs.

Competition in equity market clearing and settlement

Today I announce new consultations on the regulatory framework for competition in the clearing and settlement functions of the Australian cash equity market, along with a discussion paper on how

Treasurer to lead business delegation to China

Tonight at the Prime Minister's Economic Forum in Brisbane I announced that I will lead a delegation of Australian business leaders to Hong Kong and Beijing as part of the Government's agenda to

Release of GST Distribution Review Second Interim Report

Today the second interim report of the independent GST Distribution Review being conducted by the Hon John Brumby, Mr Bruce Carter and the Hon Nick Greiner AC has been released.  This follo

National Accounts – March Quarter 2012

Today's National Accounts paint an extraordinary picture of exceptional growth in the March quarter, and showcase the rock-solid economic fundamentals which put our economy in a league of its ow

Nomination of Australian Alternate Director to the International Monetary Fund

The Australian Government will nominate Mr Ian Davidoff for appointment as an Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund for a two year term beginning 1 November 2012, follo

More assistance to people on minimum wage

The National Minimum Wage will be increased by $17.10 a week following a decision handed down today by Fair Work Australia’s specialist Minimum Wage Panel.

Story in News Limited Papers wrong

The story by Steve Lewis in today's Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, Adelaide Advertiser and Courier Mail claiming bottled water and fruit snacks for school students visiting Parliament House have b

Fairer deal on ATMs for remote Indigenous Communities

The Gillard Government today announces a new commitment by the Australian banking industry and two major independent ATM companies to voluntarily provide free transactions at 76 ATMs across very re

OECD Economic Outlook 91 - May 2012

The OECD Economic Outlook released tonight confirms that the Australian economy will significantly outperform OECD economies as a whole over this year and next.

Spreading the benefits of the Boom

The Gillard Government will deliver a $1.8 billion boost to family payments, new tax relief for business and lump sum allowances for struggling Australians as part of a new Benefits o

A stronger economy for a fair Australia

The 2012-13 Budget will keep the Australian economy among the strongest in the world.