The OECD has announced that Switzerland has become the 58th country to sign the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters during a ceremony held on Tue 15.10.2013. OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria welcomed Switzerland’s adherence to the Convention, which he said “sends a clear and strong signal that Switzerland is part of the…
The Federal Government on Tues 22.10.2013, announced the commencement of its National Commission of Audit. The Commission will assess the role and scope of Government, as well as ensuring taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and in an efficient manner. The Commission’s work will feed into the Government’s work on the division of responsibilities between Local,…
Treasurer Joe Hockey on Wed 16.10.2013, addressed the American Australian Association in New York and discussed key short, medium and long term agendas of the Coalition Government. *Mr Hockey said the Coalition was “methodically going through every previously announced taxation policy that has not been legislated” and that there is a backlog dating back to 2001.…
The Labor Party has announced details of its Shadow Ministry. Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten announced the following: Deputy Leader of the Opposition – Tanya Plibersek. Shadow Treasurer – Chris Bowen. Shadow Assistant Treasurer – Dr Andrew Leigh. Shadow Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation – Bernie Ripoll. Shadow Minister for Finance – Tony Burke.…
Federal Parliament will resume on Tuesday, 12 November 2013 for a 4-week sitting before Christmas. It will sit for the rest of that week (13-14 Nov), the House of Reps only will sit the next week (18-21 Nov), break for a week and then wrap up the Parliamentary session with both Houses sitting for 2 weeks from…
The Government on Thur 24.10.2013, released for comment draft legislation – the Exposure Draft Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2013 – to repeal the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) and related tax measures. The Draft Bill proposes to remove the MRRT with effect from 1 July 2014. The Bill would also discontinue or…
M o r g a n’ s T a x M o n t h – October 2013 Developments – This is a collection of developments in Australian tax law and practice that occurred in October 2013 and which aims at being of relevance to tax lawyers.* F John Morgan A member of the Victorian…