*Phase-out of net medical expenses tax offset: draft legislation released [4]

The Government on Wed 11.12.2013, released draft legislation and explanatory materials to implement the 2013-14 Budget measure to phase-out the net medical expenses tax offset (NMETO). The Government announced that it would proceed with the measure on 6 November 2013 as part of the 18 announced but unenacted measures that would proceed. This measure would amend the…

*Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes) Legislation – Modification made by 2013 Notice being registered [3]

The Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes) (Modification of Applied Law – Victoria) Notice 2013 was registered on Fri 6.12.2013. It provides for applied Victorian taxing laws to be modified to the extent necessary or convenient to enable their effective operation as a Commonwealth law and for the combined liability of a taxpayer under the applied law…

Tax Bill removing R&D concessions for companies with a turnover over $20b referred to Senate committee [2]

The Tax Laws Amendment (Research and Development) Bill 2013 has been referred to the Senate Economics Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 17 March 2014. The Bill proposes to amend the ITAA 1997 to deny access to the R&D tax incentive for companies with aggregated assessable income of $20bn or more for an income year. [LTN…

*Commencement of the Charities Act to be delayed from 1 Jan to 1 Sept 2014 – and with it the abolition of the ACNC [1]

The Charities Act 2013 defines “charity” and “charitable purpose” for the purposes of all Commonwealth legislation, including taxation legislation. The Government amendments made by the House of Reps on Wed 4.12.2013 to the Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013 introduced new provisions to the Bill that would delay the commencement of the Charities…

David Murray to head Financial System inquiry; draft terms of reference released [99]

The Government has appointed former Commonwealth Bank and Future Fund chief: Mr David Murray AO, to head an inquiry into Australia’s financial system. The PM said the inquiry will make recommendations to foster an efficient, competitive and flexible financial system, consistent with financial stability, prudence, integrity and fairness. He said that, as part of the…

*Australian Electoral Commission has now petitioned the High Court for orders that the election of the 6 WA senators is ‘absolutely void’ – new election likely [97]

The Australian Electoral Commission has lodged a petition with the High Court seeking that the Court make orders declaring that, pursuant to para 360(1)(vii) of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918, “the election of 6 Senators for the State of Western Australia (Western Australia) to serve in the Senate of the Parliament of the Commonwealth (Parliament)…

Productivity Commission inquiry into Child Care to examine everything, including possibly tax breaks as form of support [96]

The Government on Sun 17.11.2013, announced the establishment of a Productivity Commission Inquiry into Child Care and Early Childhood Learning. The Prime Minister said the Inquiry will identify how the current system can be improved to make it more responsive to the needs of parents. The scope of the inquiry says the Productivity Commission should…