Planning for future growth was a key feature of the fourth meeting of the Tourism Access Working Group, formed under the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy, which was held in Sydney today.

Business owners can now search for government funding and support more easily following updates to the Grants & Assistance Finder tool on the Australian Government’s small business website, business.gov.au.

A new report assessing the potential tourism opportunities and product development needs of the Barossa region forecasts growth of 30 per cent in tourism spending by 2030.

JOINT RELEASE: COMBET / CARR / SHERRY

The Gillard Labor Government will provide extensive support for jobs, competitiveness and innovation in Australian manufacturing as it moves to the low‐carbon global economy of the future, as well as extra tax relief for small business.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / CARR / SHERRY

Tourism firms across the country will now have access to comprehensive business support that will help grow their businesses and keep jobs in the regional Australia.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / SIDEBOTTOM / WHITE

North West business owners have met Federal and State Government representatives at a Small Business Roundtable in Burnie today.

The Australian Government continues to lead the way in on-time payments to small business – settling 97.7 per cent of invoices within 30 days in 2010-11, up by 0.5 per cent on the previous year.

JOINT RELEASE: LUDWIG / SHERRY

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, and the Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced a comprehensive package of reforms to cut red tape and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals regulation.

The Australian Government has launched its first iPad app for business, MyBizShield.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY 

The latest Overseas Arrivals and Departures data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows total international visitor arrivals to Australia decreased 9.0 per cent in September 2011 compared with September 2010, however China and India bucked the overall trend with continued strong growth in arrivals from both countries.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: SHERRY / ADAMS

A new study shows 93 per cent of Tasman residents believe tourism has a positive impact on their community.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

Two-and-a-half thousand more accredited tourism businesses have joined the 10,000 accredited businesses that have the opportunity to identify themselves as quality operators by carrying the T-QUAL tick.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / KING

The Gillard Government is inviting interested parties and individuals to provide input into the review of the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS).

A new report released today confirms Australia’s two million small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy.

The Minister for Small Business, Senator Nick Sherry, has today welcomed the comments on franchising of the Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Mr Rod Sims, at a Senate Estimates hearing last night.

Thousands of Australian small businesses could boost their operations and their bottom line by taking greater advantage of the Gillard Government’s R&D Tax Incentive to help create new products and ways of operating.

The Australian Government’s successful Small Business Support Line is growing in popularity, receiving its 40,000th call shortly after celebrating its second birthday.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP and the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the significant progress made in advancing the National Long-Term Tourism Strategy at the Tourism Ministers Council meeting in Canberra.

Legislation passed by the Australian Parliament today means that for the first time Australian businesses will soon be able to pay just one fee and have only one process to register their business name nationally.

Members of the Government’s Small Business Advisory Committee (SBAC) will soon be able to contribute more of their experience and expertise in advising the Government on small business issues, trends and red-tape reforms.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

A new report released by Tourism Research Australia today, sets out the full extent of tourism’s contribution to Australia’s economy – including indirect proceeds.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

Tourism Research Australia has today released its annual State of the Industry Report, a comprehensive analysis of the Australian tourism industry drawing on information from a range of industry and economic sources.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

A snapshot of internet use among travellers confirms the opportunities available to the Australian tourism industry by improving online capability.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

Today’s Overseas Arrivals and Departures figures for August 2011 show the continued strong gains in visitor numbers from Asia boosting overall short-term visitor arrivals by 3.4 per cent compared to August 2010. Arrivals from Indonesia more than doubled, arrivals from Malaysia increased 34 per cent and arrivals from China continue to increase, up 21 per cent in August.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / RISHWORTH

The official opening today of the Gemtree Wetlands Ecotourism Walking Trail project will add to the unique tourism attractions of the Fleurieu region and boost local tourism businesses, the Member for Kingston, Amanda Rishworth MP, said today.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / RISHWORTH

A new study reveals how South Australia’s visitor information centres - and especially the staff who work in them – are increasing tourism income for local businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / BARR

New research shows how powerful Canberrans can be in marketing the city and supporting local tourism by telling their friends and family what the nation’s capital has to offer.

JOINT RELEASE: WONG / SHERRY

Australian businesses have today been invited to share their views on the next stage of regulatory reform to help boost productivity, economic growth and the competitiveness of Australian enterprises.

A new resources package to help small businesses deal with emergencies was launched today by the Minister for Small Business, Senator Nick Sherry.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

New data released today by Tourism Research Australia highlights the need to regear Australia’s Indigenous tourism industry towards emerging growth markets to make up for a continuing decline in visitors from traditional markets.

JOINT RELEASE: PLIBERSEK / SHERRY

The largest round of the Gillard Government’s Superannuation Clearing House mailout to small businesses is now underway as employer response to this free service surges ahead.

Senator Nick Sherry, Minister Assisting on Deregulation and Public Sector Superannuation, has today released the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s Annual Review of Regulatory Burdens on Business: Business and Consumer Services.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / CATHERINE KING

The Gillard Government today announced that it will conduct a review of the Commonwealth’s regulatory settings for the notification, assessment and regulation of industrial chemicals.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

More than half of all surveyed visitors to the Victorian Goldfields are very satisfied with their visit according to a report by Tourism Research Australia.

The Australian Government is supporting the tourism industry by helping it draw on its traditional strengths to improve its product and attract more international visitors, the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has told the Tourism and Events Excellence Conference in Melbourne today.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

Growth in visitor arrivals to Australia from the world’s major regions remains uneven, according to the latest tourism figures.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / GEOFF LYONS

Visitors to the Tamar Valley now have new online and mobile phone tools to help guide them around the region’s famous Wine Route.

JOINT RELEASE: PENNY WONG / NICK SHERRY

Regulatory reforms to cut business red tape and boost productivity across the nation have been affirmed at today’s COAG meeting.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / DAVID BRADBURY

The Gillard Government has welcomed COAG’s agreement on a new way forward on the delivery of Directors’ Liability reforms - one of 27 regulatory reforms under the National Partnership to Deliver a Seamless National Economy.

COAG’s Seamless National Economy agenda is making strong progress towards delivering streamlined and simplified national regulation in 27 areas, the Minister Assisting on Deregulation and Co-chair of COAG’s Business Regulation and Competition Working Group, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

JOINT RELEASE: PLIBERSEK / SHERRY / SHORTEN

The Gillard Government will this week launch a major mailout campaign to build on the success of the Superannuation Clearing House facility for small businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / MITCHELL

The TQUAL Grants program has increased the stock of distinctive tourism accommodation in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges.

A new report has found seven regional areas account for 21 per cent of total tourism spending in Australia.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / SMYTH

Victoria’s High Country has a new tourist attraction with an Italian flavour to entice even more visitors thanks to Australian Government supported investment at Casa Luna.

JOINT RELEASE: SHORTEN / CONROY / SHERRY / O'CONNOR

The Government welcomes the release of the draft report from the Productivity Commission on the economic structure and performance of the Australian retail industry, and will carefully examine the issues discussed in the report.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

New figures from the Overseas Arrivals and Departures data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), released today, reveal the full impact of the Chilean volcano on the Australian tourism industry. These figures show the number of visitors to Australia fell by 3.8 per cent in June 2011 compared with the same month last year.

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, has announced today that the nation’s 37 Australian Government funded Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) have passed the milestone of helping 100,000 small businesses during the past three years.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / LYONS

Small businesses affected by the recent natural disasters in North East Tasmania can now access tailored, free or low-cost one-on-one mentoring with specialist consultants.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

Campsites, cultural venues, cellar doors, heritages sites and other tourism attractions and destinations will be given a boost with the Australian Government announcing $8.5 million today in TQUAL tourism grants to 117 projects across Australia.

Small businesses – from manufacturers to retailers in the Stirling region – are being urged to make time to take advantage of an Australian Government-funded advisory service that could help them improve the way they run their businesses.

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, has today launched a Belmont online program aimed at helping businesses in any disaster affected region across Australia.

JOINT RELEASE: SHORTEN / SHERRY / LYONS

Manufacturing workers will be supported through the transition to a low carbon economy, Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten said today after touring Rio Tinto Alcan Bell Bay with Minister for Small Business, Senator Nick Sherry and Member for Bass Geoff Lyons.

JOINT RELEASE: SWAN / COMBET / SHERRY

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Greg Combet and Minister for Small Business Senator Nick Sherry today announced initiatives to help small businesses adjust to the carbon price.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

New Overseas Arrivals and Departures May 2011 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released today show another rise in the number of visitor arrivals from China and India.

With the end of the financial year upon us and its usual requirements to meet, many time-poor small businesses will turn to the Australian Government’s Small Business Support Line for quick, expert advice.

The end of the financial year this week marked 12 months of strong support from the Australian Government for the country’s two million small businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / LUDWIG / FERGUSON

Small businesses will receive valuable support and advice in resolving disputes following the Gillard Government’s appointment of a new mediation adviser across several industry codes.

Twenty-five not-for-profit business advisory organisations have received Australian Government funding totalling $2.5 million to help small businesses affected by the recent natural disasters.

The West Australian and South Australian Parliaments are being urged to get behind a national approach to the regulation of franchises following the findings of the latest committee to examine the issue.

JOINT RELEASE: CREAN / SHERRY

The Gillard Government has welcomed today’s announcement of the first national study into the impacts of local government regulation on business.

JOINT RELEASE: WONG / SHERRY

Minister for Finance and Deregulation Penny Wong and the Minister Assisting on Public Sector Superannuation, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced appointments to the inaugural governing board of the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

The Minister for Small Business, Senator Nick Sherry, has met with representatives of the Australian book retailing industry in Canberra today describing the talks as constructive and a good opportunity to clear the air.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: PENNY WONG / WARREN SNOWDON / NICK SHERRY

The Government today welcomed the passage of legislation that will see significant benefits delivered to Commonwealth military and civilian superannuants through improved governance arrangements.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: SHERRY / SHORTEN

The Coalition has again shown its lack of economic credibility in its response to the recent survey figures which show 99 per cent of small business people who have taken advantage of the Gillard Government’s Superannuation Clearing House are satisfied with the service.

An online service for Business-to-Government and Government-to-Government transactions has processed more than 32 million transactions in the past 12 months.

The Defence Minister’s announcement of an independent review of the future use of the naval docks at Sydney’s Garden Island by visiting cruise ships is a welcome development for the tourism industry, the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

JOINT RELEASE:  NICK SHERRY / BILL SHORTEN

The Gillard Government has today released survey figures which show 99 per cent of small business people who have taken advantage of the Government’s Superannuation Clearing House are satisfied with the service.

JOINT RELEASE:  NICK SHERRY / MIKE KELLY

The Australian Government has unveiled two initiatives to boost tourism on the Sapphire Coast

Some of Australia’s leading industry and government tourism figures have gathered in Sydney to make plans for attracting more Chinese investment in Australian tourism.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / JAN MCLUCAS

Queensland tourism businesses affected by the floods and Cyclone Yasi will soon have free access to business expertise, with a $725,000 extension of the Australian Government’s Enterprise Connect program in Queensland.

A working group that finds new ways to make it easier for travellers to get into and around Australia met today on the eve of the Australia-China Tourism Summit in Cairns.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has hosted a meeting of senior government and industry figures to improve cooperation in the expanding China tourism market.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

Today’s March quarter International Visitors Survey figures show that while inbound tourism has held up nationally, the natural disasters in Queensland caused heavy cancellations by international visitors.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / BILL SHORTEN

Mr Abbott’s statements today demonstrate how his constant negativity would hurt superannuation and hurt small business.

JOINT RELEASE: STEPHEN CONROY / NICK SHERRY

The Australian Government has unveiled a $12.4 million program to help small-to-medium businesses and not-for-profit organisations across Australia take advantage of the enormous online opportunities offered by the National Broadband Network (NBN).

The Productivity Commission will undertake a study focusing on effective identification of regulatory reform opportunities and the evaluation of reform outcomes, the Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, announced today.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / SID SIDEBOTTOM

Small business operators in North West Tasmania have been praised for their resilience and creativity at a Small Business Roundtable in Latrobe today.

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, has released an options paper designed to generate comment on ways to help small businesses resolve disputes.

Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has opened the Townsville region’s newest heritage attraction, which provides the only farm-stay experience in the area.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has today opened the revamped Goldfields Track for bushwalkers and mountain bikers - adding to regional Victoria’s list of unique attractions.

The facts don’t stack up on the Opposition Leader’s claims on business regulation made in his Budget reply last night, the Minister for Small Business and Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

The facts don’t stack up on the Opposition Leader’s claims on business regulation made in his Budget reply last night, the Minister for Small Business and Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

The Gillard Government’s Small Business Support Line will continue to help thousands of Australian businesses, with new funding of $7.1 million over the next four years.

JOINT RELEASE: WAYNE SWAN / BILL SHORTEN / NICK SHERRY

The Gillard Government will provide Australian small businesses with an instant tax write-off of the first $5,000 of any motor vehicle purchased from 2012-13, recognising many small business operators are doing it tough in our patchwork economy.

Devonport roofing and materials supplier for the north-west coast, OOI Roofing (Pty Ltd), took out the AusIndustry Innovation Award at the Devonport Chamber of Commerce & Industry 2011 CGU North West Business and Industry Awards

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has launched a project to bolster Sunraysia’s food and heritage-themed tourism.

JOINT RELEASE: ROBERT MCCLELLAND / NICK SHERRY

Attorney-General Robert McClelland and Minister for Small Business and Minister Assisting on Deregulation and Public Sector Superannuation, Senator Nick Sherry, have announced the start of a national road show today to raise awareness of new Personal Property Securities (PPS) laws that start in October.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / GEOFF LYONS

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons MP, have today launched two projects to improve tourism on Flinders Island by capitalising on its unique qualities.

JOINT RELEASE: CHRIS BOWEN / NICK SHERRY

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, and Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, today released a discussion paper for public comment on simplifying Australia's visitor visas.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / SID SIDEBOTTOM

An innovative tourism project to recreate the Cradle Coast’s mining heritage and help attract more visitors to the region is up and running, with the launch in Zeehan today of Living in a Wild World.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

A National Tourism Planning Guide designed to help planners streamline investment, was released by Tourism Ministers today during their Ministerial Council meeting in Darwin.

JOINT RELEASE: KIM CARR / NICK SHERRY

The Australian Government is providing a $3.3 million funding boost to small business support groups to help them deliver additional services to assist Australia’s disaster-affected small businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

New figures show the Chinese New Year capped an impressive twelve months for Australia’s most valuable tourism market.

The Australian Government’s small business website has reached another major milestone, with more than 250,000 business-planning templates and guides being downloaded in only 12 months.

A Government review has found a number of redundant regulations to be repealed - including one dating back to 1919 and dealing with the Treaty of Versailles.

JOINT RELEASE: PENNY WONG / NICK SHERRY

COAG’s Business Regulation and Competition Working Group met in Canberra today to continue to drive progress in delivering the Seamless National Economy reform agenda, and begin identifying the next round of reforms to cut red tape.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

New data by Tourism Research Australia shows domestic travel increased last year, lead by business travel which was up five per cent on the previous year. The December Quarter was weaker for domestic leisure and business travel.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / BERNIE RIPOLL / SHAYNE NEUMANN

Small businesses in Far North Queensland have received a timely boost with the opening today of a new Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) in Cairns to provide advice and assistance to local small businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / JAN MCLUCAS

Small businesses in Far North Queensland have received a timely boost with the opening today of a new Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) in Cairns to provide advice and assistance to local small businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / JAN JARRATT

Outback legends remain a strong tourist drawcard, with visitors to Outback Central West Queensland citing The Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum as motivators for travel to the region, according to a new report released today.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

In an historic boost for Australia’s tourism industry, the Gillard Government has today opened a new program to give tourism operators the opportunity to revolutionise their products with project funding of up to $1 million to be matched dollar for dollar with private sector investment.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, and the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, have today launched the Discover Tourism careers portal, a gateway for information on working in Australia’s tourism industry.

Small businesses in Bunbury now have access to enhanced advisory services with the opening of the new office for the Small Business Centre Bunbury-Wellington.

Small businesses in Bunbury now have access to enhanced advisory services with the opening of the new office for the Small Business Centre Bunbury-Wellington.

JOINT RELEASE: FERGUSON / SHERRY

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, and the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, are in Perth over the coming days for a packed agenda aimed at strengthening the tourism industry – especially in Western Australia.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has officially opened a unique attraction in the Southern Forests region - the Foragers Field Kitchen and Cooking School near Pemberton, made possible with funding of $100,000 from the TQUAL Grants program.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has officially opened new accommodation at a local icon in the South West, made possible with funding of $100,000 through the Australian Government’s TQUAL Grants.

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, on a visit to Albany, has urged local businesses to take advantage of the Australian Government’s many support services to help them operate better in the modern environment.

JOINT RELEASE: SHERRY / PARKE

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, on a visit to Fremantle, has urged local businesses to take advantage of the Australian Government’s many support services to help them operate better in the modern environment.

The Australian Government’s small business website has a new Google mapping tool that is putting small businesses in touch with their nearest business advisor.

A new attraction at the gateway to Great Otways National Park has been officially opened for the thousands of mountain bikers and other visitors to Victoria’s western region.

Australian retailers have been urged to develop online trading capabilities and exploit their local advantage.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has officially opened the visitor centre extension at the National Rose Centre in South Australia’s Riverland, made possible with $100,000 in Australian Government funding.

Sunraysia small businesses affected by the floods crisis are being urged to use a wide range of Australian Government support services and find out about the assistance available to help them get back on their feet.

JOINT RELEASE: PENNY WONG / NICK SHERRY

The Gillard Government has welcomed COAG’s decision yesterday to commence development of a future deregulation agenda and to bring forward the completion of the current Seamless National Economy (SNE) process by six months to the end of 2012.

JOINT RELEASE: NICK SHERRY / PETER LAWLOR

The $9.2 billion Queensland tourism industry now has access to the latest regional market intelligence with the release of the Regional Tourism Profiles 2009/10 today.

The $13.9 billion New South Wales tourism industry now has access to the latest regional market intelligence with the release of the Regional Tourism Profiles 2009/10 today.

JOINT RELEASE: KIM CARR / NICK SHERRY

Small and medium enterprises around Australia are able to learn about the latest business management practices at more than 70 seminars and workshops funded by the Australian Government.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON / NICK SHERRY

Applications are open for a fresh round of Australian Government funding for tourism projects that will nurture quality tourism experiences and support Australia’s marketing campaigns.

The Australian Government’s Small Business Support Line has just received call number 25,000.

The Gillard Government has developed a new free tool to help Australia’s one million independent contractors ‘get the contract right’ at the start.

The Greater Shepparton, Murrindindi, Strathbogie and Mitchell Shire Councils have joined forces to form the Goulburn River Valley Tourism organisation and deliver a marketing and tourism development strategy for regions along the Goulburn River Valley.

New figures show one third of all calls to the Government’s popular Small Business Support Line are questions by small business operators about licensing and registration.

The $2.3 billion South Australian tourism industry now has access to the latest regional market intelligence with the release of the Regional Tourism Profiles 2009/10 today.

The $956 million Northern Territory tourism industry now has access to the latest regional market intelligence with the release of the Regional Tourism Profiles 2009/10 today.

New figures show one third of all calls to the Government’s popular Small Business Support Line are questions by small business operators about licensing and registration.

A new report, Tourism Productivity in Australia, released by the Australian Government today shows significant investment is needed to boost productivity in the tourism industry.

In 2011, the Gillard Government’s business regulation reform agenda is set to build on the strong progress made in 2010 towards delivering a seamless national economy, the Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, is urging small business operators to get to know their rights and responsibilities under new laws and procedures that have taken effect from 1 January 2011.

A smart approach to running their enterprises that saw two North-West Tasmanian small businesses recognised in a national award has earned them more accolades at a function in Devonport today.

JOINT RELEASE: BILL SHORTEN MP / SENATOR STEPHEN CONROY / BRENDAN O'CONNOR MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Government has today announced an inquiry into the future of Australian retail by the Productivity Commission, the release of new research into online shopping in Australia and a compliance campaign to crack down on people or businesses rorting the $1,000 low-value threshold.

A smart approach to running their enterprises that saw two North-West Tasmanian small businesses recognised in a national award has earned them more accolades at a function in Devonport today.

JOINT RELEASE: CHRIS BOWEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, and Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, today affirmed the Government’s commitment to simplifying the temporary work visa process.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Tourism is growing at a faster rate than Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP), with the industry growing by 3.2 per cent to $33.9 billion in the last financial year, compared to 2.3 per cent for the economy as a whole.

Small Business Minister and Senator for Tasmania, Nick Sherry, has welcomed the opening today of the Lost Farm Wellness Centre and of the adjoining Barnbougle international-class golf course and resort development in Bridport.

The Australian Government continues to show the way in paying small businesses on time – settling 97.2 per cent of invoices within 30 days in 2009-10.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

International travel to Australia continues to rise, with the latest International Visitor Survey results showing international arrivals for both the quarter and year ending September 2010 are up eight and six per cent respectively.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Audience members from the Oprah Winfrey Show have arrived in Hobart and have already seen first hand the stunning vistas the island has to offer.

JOINT RELEASE: SENATOR LOUISE PRATT / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry and Senator for Western Australia, Louise Pratt, have unveiled plans for an extension to the popular Gingin Observatory, north of Perth.

The smart approach to running their businesses that saw three Tasmanian small businesses recognised in a national award ceremony, has earned them more accolades at a function in Hobart today.

The Australian Government has released new data today showing the $8 billion business events industry is on the mend after the downturn caused by the global recession.

The importance of improved transport infrastructure to boost the Australian tourism industry has been emphasised at today’s meeting of the Tourism Access Working Group in Sydney.

Tonight’s winner of the Small Business Award at the 48th Australian Export Awards has been congratulated by Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, as an inspiration to other technology based enterprises.

Australian tourism will benefit from forecast increases in international visitor numbers, the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has told an audience of some of Australia’s most prominent tourism exporting businesses.

The highly successful Small Business Support Line has added another string to its bow – an online “live chat” service for small businesses.

JOINT RELEASE: SENATOR DANA WORTLEY / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, and Labor Senator for South Australia, Dana Wortley, have launched a $23,000 feasibility study on the potential of using global positioning system (GPS) based tourism audio guides in the Murraylands region

A smart approach to running their business has earned two Northern Tasmanian companies nationwide awards, which have been recognised at a function in Launceston today.

JOINT RELEASE: SENATOR JOE LUDWIG / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Gillard Government is continuing to reform the regulation and use of farm chemicals and veterinary drugs to help improve productivity and international competitiveness in the agricultural sector.

The first national survey of business-to-business dispute resolution for small business provides valuable insight into the number and types of disputes experienced by small business.

The upcoming Amway Annual Conference on Hamilton Island represents a welcome boost for the domestic tourism industry, the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

The decision of the West Australian State Liberal Party Room not to proceed with radical new legislation to regulate the franchising industry has been welcomed by Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Australian tourism will look to Asia in the coming years as travel booms in the region, according to latest predictions from the Tourism Forecasting Committee.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, today released the first ever State of the Industry report outlining how Australian tourism is currently performing, the challenges it will face and how the industry needs to respond.

JOINT RELEASE: JUSTINE ELLIOT MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, and Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot MP, have launched a new project funded by the Australian Government to support tourism development along the Pacific Coast.

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, says Australia’s ranking as one of the best places in the world to start a small business will be enhanced by the Gillard Government’s raft of regulatory reforms.

Small Business Minister, Senator Nick Sherry, today urged small businesses to use the Australian Government's support line which has already assisted 20,000 small businesses in the first year of the line’s operation.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has today highlighted the need to unlock productivity in the tourism industry as a way of facing the twin challenges of a high Australian dollar and fragile international visitor markets.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced new market research to help Snowy Mountain tourism operators secure additional business year round.

The Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, has welcomed China Southern Airlines’ route expansion plans into Australia, after a meeting with the company’s President and CEO, Mr Tan Wangeng, in Brisbane today.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP and the Minister Assisting on Tourism, Senator Nick Sherry, have today affirmed the importance of a long-term approach to improve outcomes for Australia’s tourism industry in the face of new challenges – including the strengthening Australian dollar.

The Australian Government’s Small Business Support Line has been a huge success with small businesses – taking its 20,000th call late yesterday just after its first birthday.

Four small businesses have shown how embracing e-commerce has brought immense benefits for their operations.

Small business can now connect with government information on the go by using business.gov.au’s range of social media services, including an iPhone application, Twitter and Facebook.

Around 400 Queensland small businesses will benefit from a training program that will help them get online, build their e-business capability and cut operating costs.

The Gillard Labor Government has today moved to assist the disaster recovery effort for victims of the Christchurch earthquake, making all donations by Australians tax deductible.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public comment a discussion paper that represents a further step towards reforming Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) rules.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that Australia and India will shortly commence discussions to update their existing tax treaty.

JOINT RELEASE: CHRIS BOWEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Gillard Government has today commenced a further stage in the development of an investment manager regime (IMR) by requesting that the Board of Tax consider the design of an IMR as part of its review of collective investment vehicles (CIVs).

JOINT RELEASE: CHRIS BOWEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law, Chris Bowen MP, today announced the Terms of Reference for a review by the Board of Taxation into the taxation arrangements that apply to collective investment vehicles (CIVs).

JOINT RELEASE: PETER GARRETT MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, the Hon Peter Garrett MP, today released draft legislation to expand access to film tax offsets as announced in the 2010-11 Budget.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public consultation the exposure draft of the Tax Agent Services Amendment Regulations 2010, that will, when enacted, exclude certain groups from the operation of the tax agent services regime.

JOINT RELEASE: DR CRAIG EMERSON MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Small Business, the Hon Dr Craig Emerson MP, today welcomed the announcement by the Commissioner of Taxation, Mr Michael D’Ascenzo, that the Tax Office will extend the Small Business Assistance Package for a further year.

JOINT RELEASE: KATE ELLIS MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Youth, Kate Ellis MP, are advising young people to take advantage of the support and information services available to help them lodge their tax return.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, is today reminding same sex couples of changes to the tax law that will make tax time fairer.

Today’s announcement of a breakthrough agreement between the Gillard Government and the resources industry on tax reform will ensure that up to 6.4 million Australians get bigger tax returns as well as tax time becoming a much simpler exercise.

JOINT RELEASE: PETER GARRETT MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer and Labor Senator for Tasmania, Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett, have today announced that the Devil Island Project Group has been added to the Register of Environmental Organisations and granted tax deductible status to help it attract donations for its campaign to save the Tasmanian devil.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced further refinements to the income tax law relating to the Taxation of Financial Arrangements (TOFA) Stages 3 & 4 provisions to provide certainty and clarity on the operation of the law.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced further refinements to the income tax law relating to the Taxation of Financial Arrangements (TOFA) Stages 3 & 4 provisions to provide certainty and clarity on the operation of the law.

The Parliament has today passed legislation that streamlines the administration of the goods and services tax (GST) and reduces compliance costs for taxpayers.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the passage through Parliament of important reforms to Australia’s thin capitalisation tax laws as they apply to authorised deposit taking institutions.

JOINT RELEASE: BILL SHORTEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Legislation to make the taxation of special disability trusts fairer and simpler was passed by Parliament today.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the passage of the Tax Laws Amendment (Foreign Source Income Deferral) Bill (No.1) 2010 through the Senate.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, welcomed the passage of important amendments to the definition of a Managed Investment Trust (MIT).

JOINT RELEASE: JENNY MACKLIN MP / SENATOR STEPHEN CONROY / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Australian Government today released the 2010 Productivity Commission Report into Gambling for consideration by States, Territories, industry and the wider community.

The Rudd Government has today introduced legislation into Parliament to implement a number of significant measures that will improve the operation of the tax laws, reduce compliance costs for taxpayers and provide tax benefits for organisations which carry out important community services.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released data showing there are more than 2 million people in New South Wales who will benefit from the Rudd Government’s tax time standard work deduction measure.

Indigenous students from across the country are in Canberra this week to undertake work experience with the Australian Government.

The Assistant Treasurer has today announced the detail of amendments to the definition of a managed investment trust (MIT) which widen the scope of trusts to benefit from taxation concessions available through the capital account and withholding tax arrangements.

The Parliament has passed important legislation that will see significant improvements to the administration of the goods and services tax (GST).

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, welcomed the approval by Parliament today of legislation which makes significant progress in the Rudd Government’s aim of a single modern income tax law for Australia.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, said today’s passage of changes to the non-commercial loan rules will improve the integrity and fairness of the tax system.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has welcomed the passage through Parliament today of the Rudd Government’s increase in the Medicare levy threshold.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has highlighted a significant strengthening of laws to fight fraudulent ‘phoenix’ activity which was passed by Parliament today.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today welcomed the passage of legislation that will repeal over 100 provisions in the income tax laws that give the Tax Commissioner an unlimited period to make an amendment to a taxpayer’s assessment.

JOINT RELEASE: WAYNE SWAN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Treasurer, Wayne Swan, and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today released the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission report on the impacts and benefits of Council of Australian Government (COAG) reforms.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced that the Rudd Government will review the income tax law in relation to individuals and businesses making ‘elections’ or choices in their tax affairs with a view to simplifying the tax law and cutting red-tape.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public comment exposure draft legislation to extend the capital gains tax (CGT) main residence exemption for compulsory acquisitions of land or structures that are adjacent to a taxpayer’s main residence.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released data showing that there are 140,000 people in Tasmania who will benefit from the Rudd Government’s tax time standard work deduction measure.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released data showing that there are 660,000 people in Western Australia who stand to lose out if the Coalition maintains its commitment to drop the Rudd Government’s tax time standard work deduction measure.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released data showing that there are 460,000 people in South Australia who stand to lose out if the Coalition maintains its commitment to drop the Rudd Government’s tax time standard work deduction measure.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public consultation the exposure draft regulations and explanatory material for extending tax file number (TFN) withholding to closely held trusts, including family trusts.

JOINT RELEASE: BRENDAN O'CONNOR MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor, today welcomed the tabling of the Productivity Commission’s final report on Australia’s anti-dumping and countervailing system.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has launched a publication in Sydney today aimed at encouraging the growth of Islamic finance in Australia by dispelling the misconceptions about this important sector of global finance.

JOINT RELEASE: PRIME MINISTER / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Prime Minister and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, have today announced tax deductible donation status for One Laptop per Child Australia Ltd.

The Rudd Government today introduced legislation into Parliament that will amend the definition of a managed investment trust (MITs) for access to withholding tax concessions to more closely align the definition used across different parts of the tax law and to widen access to MIT withholding tax concessions for certain wholesale trusts.

JOINT RELEASE: BILL SHORTEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Rudd Government has today introduced legislation to reform the tax treatment of unexpended income of a special disability trust.

The Rudd Government has today introduced a Bill into Parliament to further reform the administration of the goods and services tax (GST) and to reduce compliance costs for a range of taxpayers.

Important amendments to the thin capitalisation tax rules as they apply to authorised deposit taking institutions (ADIs) have been introduced into Parliament today, said the Senator Nick Sherry, the Assistant Treasurer.

JOINT RELEASE: CHRIS BOWEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Coalition has abandoned Australia’s strategy of becoming a major financial services hub by opposing the historic reforms to interest withholding tax (IWT) announced in the Budget, the Minister for Financial Services, Chris Bowen, and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today encouraged residents in selected parts of Australia to play a vital role in helping get Australia’s population count right by taking part in a test run for the 2011 Census.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced that agreements for the allocation of taxing rights with the Isle of Man, Jersey and the British Virgin Islands have come into force.

JOINT RELEASE: JUSTINE ELLIOT MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot MP today announced the appointment of Sue Macri AM as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission inquiry into aged care in Australia.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the Rudd Government would rewrite the tax law’s running balance account provisions to provide the flexibility to manage tax debts and entitlements more efficiently and in a way that is more useful for taxpayers.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, said today that the Coalition’s vow to scrap the Resource Super Profits Tax would mean the end of the standard tax deductions measure announced in this year’s Budget and would guarantee tax time remains a complex affair for millions of Australians.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today revealed that the Leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott, has managed to blow a minimum $2.1 billion hole in the forward estimates, and seriously put at risk another $1.8 billion in new measures, through his public sector job freeze.

JOINT RELEASE: ROBERT MCCLELLAND MP / JENNY MACKLIN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson MP, have today confirmed the Rudd Government will complete the long-standing plan for a 50 per cent tax discount on alternative fuels – such as ethanol and LPG.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced the terms of reference for the Board of Taxation’s review of the tax treatment of Islamic finance in Australia.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that Australia has signed a bilateral tax treaty with the Marshall Islands for the exchange of tax information.

JOINT RELEASE: MARTIN FERGUSON MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson MP, have today confirmed the Rudd Government will complete the long-standing plan for a 50 per cent tax discount on alternative fuels – such as ethanol and LPG.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today highlighted the release of the OECD’s Taxing Wages 2009 report, which shows the income tax burden on Australians has decreased.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the passage through Parliament of amendments that protect investors in forestry managed investment schemes (MIS) from an adverse and unintended tax outcome.

The Rudd Government has today introduced legislation to enact significant reforms to Australia’s foreign source income anti-tax-deferral (attribution) rules by repealing the foreign investment fund (FIF) and deemed present entitlement rules contained in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936).

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has welcomed the passage today of legislation containing the 2009-10 Budget measure to allow a managed investment trust (MIT) to elect to have the capital gains tax regime as the primary code for taxing gains and losses on the disposal of certain investments.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced details of the Rudd Government’s confidential and comprehensive pre-consultation process on several tax reform measures contained in the 2010-11 Budget.

Australia’s tax consolidation regime was today significantly enhanced by the passage of laws that resolve several long-standing operational issues and provide greater certainty and less compliance costs to businesses seeking to consolidate for tax purposes.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry today announced that the Rudd Government will introduce legislation to apply look-through capital gains tax (CGT) treatment for qualifying earnout arrangements in the sale of business assets.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry has today announced the Rudd Government will put in place a new tax system for Managed Investment Trusts (MITs) for commencement on 1 July 2011.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public comment draft legislation that extends tax deductible donation support to all 6,200 Australian volunteer fire brigades.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has represented Australia at the inaugural East Asian Summit (EAS) Finance Ministers’ Meeting (FMM), held on the margins of the Annual Meetings of the Asian Development Bank in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has this week hosted the third informal dialogue of Pacific Island Finance and Economic Ministers.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, the first Australian Minister to visit Uzbekistan, has held important bilateral talks with key members of the Uzbek Cabinet to promote the Australian-Uzbekistan bilateral relationship.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has announced that Australia and Turkey have signed a new income tax treaty - the first between the two countries.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today left for the 43rd Asian Development Bank (ADB) Annual Meetings being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator the Hon Nick Sherry, has today held a series of talks with the international leadership of the Islamic finance regulatory and banking sectors.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today met with His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar.

The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, has today released for public consultation exposure draft legislation for an anti-roll-up fund rule that will apply to certain offshore investments

JOINT RELEASE: CHRIS BOWEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry and the Minister for Financial Services, Corporate Law and Superannuation, Chris Bowen, today announced that the Board of Taxation would undertake a comprehensive review of Australia’s tax laws to ensure that, wherever possible, they do not inhibit the expansion of Islamic finance, banking and insurance products.

Senator Nick Sherry, Assistant Treasurer, is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ahead of also visiting Qatar and Bahrain, where he will hold four days of strategic talks with senior Ministers, officials, regulators, central bankers and finance industry figures focused on Islamic finance, banking and insurance.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced a major tightening of the foreign investment rules as they relate to residential real estate and a package of tough new civil penalty, compliance, monitoring and enforcement measures.

Following consultation with the community and industry across Australia, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced further details of the coverage of the new national tax agent services regime.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today released the Board of Taxation's review into elements of the taxation of employee share scheme arrangements.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released draft legislation that makes it easier for takeovers and mergers regulated by the Corporations Act 2001 to qualify for capital gains tax (CGT) scrip for scrip rollover.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released draft legislation that makes it easier for takeovers and mergers regulated by the Corporations Act 2001 to qualify for capital gains tax (CGT) scrip for scrip rollover.

JOINT RELEASE: JENNY MACKLIN MP/ SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot MP, have today announced the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission’s public inquiry into aged care.

JOINT RELEASE: GREG COMBET MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

Greg Combet, Minister Assisting the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, and Nick Sherry, the Assistant Treasurer, today reminded eligible insulation companies that a deferral of GST payment obligations is available for the current tax quarter.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the wide-ranging terms of reference for the Inspector-General of Taxation's review of the implementation of the Australian Taxation Office's Change Program.

JOINT RELEASE: BILL SHORTEN MP / SENATOR NICK SHERRY

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, Bill Shorten MP, have today released for public consultation the Rudd Government's draft legislation and explanatory material on the proposed changes to the taxation of the unexpended income of special disability trusts.

JOINT RELEASE: MACKLIN/SHERRY/SHORTEN

Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick
Sherry and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten today welcomed
the start of the Productivity Commission Inquiry into a National Disability Care and
Support scheme.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released an exposure draft of legislation to provide capital gains tax (CGT) roll-over for changes to water entitlements.

The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, said today Australia’s two-year term as Chair of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information has begun with a major step in the fight against international tax evasion.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today signed a new 10-year licensing agreement between the Commonwealth and the operators of the Perth Mint, Gold Corporation.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has announced the signing of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with Monaco, as Australia’s global network of jurisdictions committed to greater tax and financial transparency grows to 23.

Non-residents who may be in breach of Australia’s strict foreign investment property laws will be the subject of a new enforcement crackdown.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has moved to provide additional clarity on specific issues raised by industry regarding the implementation of changes to the taxation of Australian residents employed overseas.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced the signing of a further seven Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs) as Australia’s global efforts for greater transparency in tax matters gathers pace.

Senator Barnaby Joyce has plumbed to new depths in his latest outburst, insulting the Productivity Commission and its important contribution to economic reform and discussion in Australia, the Assistant Treasurer said today.

Barely three days since he was removed by Tony Abbott as Shadow Finance Minister, Senator Barnaby Joyce has ridden roughshod over his Shadow Treasurer, putting forward a new tax policy.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today highlighted the Private Ancillary Fund (PAF) statistics for the 2007-08 financial year, which show continued growth in donations and assets in the philanthropic sector.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today highlighted the release of the Tax Office Taxation Statistics for 2007-08.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public comment draft legislation aimed at ensuring that access to global roaming telecommunication services by visitors to Australia remains GST‑free.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the signing of a bilateral Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) that will allow the exchange of tax information between Australia and Anguilla.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that Australia has signed a new Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, adding another member to its growing network of jurisdictions committed to greater tax and financial transparency around the globe.

The Assistant Treasurer today announced immediate action by the Rudd Government to assist in the crackdown on "phoenix" activity by expanding and reforming the use of "security deposits" and significantly increasing penalties for failing to comply with the requirement to provide a security deposit.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Peter Garrett MP
Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Member for Kingsford-Smith and Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett MP, have welcomed the introduction into the Parliament today of legislation to allow tax deductions for gifts to the Bali Peace Park Association Inc.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Alan Griffin, have today announced the Royal Australian Mint will next month issue a collectible 20 cent coin commemorating Australia's Lost Soldiers of Fromelles.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced Australia has made further progress in its international efforts to improve transparency in the financial system and prevent offshore tax avoidance and evasion.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, today announced the appointment of Dr Cliff Samson as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission review of Rural Research and Development Corporations.

The Senate has today passed two important Bills relating to the goods and services tax (GST) that make it easier and more certain for taxpayers to comply with the law and for the Tax Office to administer the GST.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has welcomed the passage of legislation in Parliament today of tax changes to lessen the financial hardship experienced by those affected by the North Western Queensland floods and add two new organisations to the list of deductible gift recipients (DGRs).

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that Australia and Chile have signed a new income tax treaty - the first between the two countries.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced the Rudd Government's plans to amend the tax law to confirm the practice of treating the investor in an instalment warrant over a single exchange traded security in a company, trust or stapled entity as the owner of the listed security for income tax purposes.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the signing of a tax information exchange agreement (TIEA) between Australia and San Marino that will allow the two countries to exchange taxpayer information.

Joint Media Release
with
Mr Chris Trevor MP
Member for Flynn

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Federal Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor, today paid a visit to Gladstone State High School to unveil the building plans for the school's new $1.97 million Language Centre, a key part of the Rudd Government's Building the Education Revolution infrastructure program.

Joint Media Release
with
Mr Chris Trevor MP
Member for Flynn

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Federal Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor, welcomed local business people today at a forum to tackle the economic challenges facing the region and ensure that Gladstone continues to feature heavily in Federal Government planning for the future.

NO.033

Joint Media Release
with
Mr Chris Trevor MP
Member for Flynn

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Federal Member for Flynn, Chris Trevor, will host a Gladstone Industry Roundtable tomorrow, to discuss future major projects in the region as the Rudd Government looks to consolidate Australia's economic recovery from the global recession.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced the Government will change the tax law to help volunteer bushfire brigades attract more donations.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released draft legislation aimed at improving the operation of the GST law by streamlining its application to the domestic transport of imported and exported goods, for public comment.

The Rudd Government has welcomed the final passage of legislation in Parliament today giving broad effect to the Government's election commitment to abolish the tax deduction for donations to political parties and independent candidates and members.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the passage through Parliament of the International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2009 as an important step in further boosting Australia-New Zealand business links and in the international fight against harmful offshore tax practices.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, at a ceremony in Canberra today, has signed an amended tax treaty between Australia and Malaysia, enabling the greater exchange of information on potential tax abuse.

The Assistant Treasurer and Labor Senator for Tasmania, Senator Nick Sherry, has launched a new website – www.nicksherry.com.au – to keep in closer touch with constituents and stakeholders.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, have today announced the terms of reference for a Productivity Commission inquiry into rural research and development corporation arrangements.

The Rudd Government today welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission's final report on the Contribution of the Not-for-Profit Sector Report.

The Minister for Community Services, Jenny Macklin, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Ursula Stephens, said the report highlighted the importance of the not-for-profit sector in the Australian economy and society.

The Rudd Government has today introduced a Bill to further the reform of the administration of the goods and services tax (GST).

The Tax Laws Amendment (2010 GST Administration Measures No 1) Bill 2010 amends the GST law to implement a range of improvements to Australia's GST-related laws.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has welcomed the introduction today of the first tax reform Bill of the Parliamentary year.

The Bill contains several important measures, including those to protect investors in recently collapsed forestry managed investment schemes (MIS) and the simplification of several areas of tax administration.

The Rudd Government has today introduced into Parliament the final, extended form of its 2009-10 Budget measure to allow a managed investment trust (MIT) to elect to have the capital gains tax regime as the primary code for taxing gains and losses on the disposal of key investments.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced an expansion of the definition of a managed investment trust (MIT) in relation to the withholding tax rules.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public consultation the Rudd Government's draft legislation aimed at ensuring individuals receiving income from trusts pay their fair share of tax.

To achieve this, the proposed changes extend tax file number (TFN) withholding arrangements to closely held trusts, including family trusts.

The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, announced today that negotiations to update Australia's tax treaty with Austria will take place in March 2010.

"Australia and Austria share close links through a number of bilateral agreements and historic migration dating back 200 years," the Assistant Treasurer said.

The Coalition's senior economic spokesperson in the Senate, Senator Barnaby Joyce, has shown his true colours on foreign investment – voting for a bill he would prefer not to have been passed, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, said today.

Senator Joyce was dragged kicking and screaming to vote with his own Coalition yesterday when it joined with the Government to support the passage of the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Amendment Bill 2009.

The Royal Australian Mint will produce a circulating commemorative 20 cent coin to mark the Centenary of the Australian Taxation Office in 2010, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, announced today.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, is warning Australians of a new email phishing scam using the lure of a tax refund to try to steal private information.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Federal Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, have reported a strong response from Cairns small business owners to the visit of a specialist taskforce from the Australian Tax Office.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has congratulated the Commissioner of Taxation, Mr Michael D'Ascenzo, on being named in the Australia Day honours List.

The Rudd Government has made further progress in the reform of the administration of the good and services tax (GST), with the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today releasing a new round of draft legislation for public comment.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that Australia and Chile had reached agreement in principle on a new income tax treaty – the first between the two countries.

In the lead-up to Australia Day, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the design of the newest coin to go into the hands of Australians.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Federal Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, are urging Cairns small business owners to take advantage of the upcoming stage of the Rudd Government's Keep Cairns Working program.

Coins and their designs are rarely thought of as works of art – but over the next month an exclusive exhibition at the Royal Australian Mint will showcase just that.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry says the Mint's inaugural art exhibition 'Striking Art Lasting Impressions' will highlight the work of Mint designer and sculptor Wojciech Pietranik.

In response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti, the Assistant Treasurer is advising Australians wishing to make donations towards relief efforts that overseas donations are treated differently for tax deduction purposes.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Chris Bowen MP
Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law and Minister for Human Services

The Government welcomes the Australian Financial Centre Forum's report on Australia as a Financial Centre (the Johnson Report).

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today has moved to confirm the intention of the Taxation of Financial Arrangements (TOFA) transitional balancing adjustment provisions, as the January 15 deadline approaches for many taxpayers to decide whether to apply the TOFA Stages 3 and 4 rules to their pre‑existing financial arrangements.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the Government will make it easier for shareholders to defer certain capital gains made during takeovers or when companies merge.

The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, has today released a consultation paper setting out the proposed high-level design of the taxation laws to modernise the controlled foreign company (CFC) rules.

Tax rules clarity and certainty for rural communities and small business operators is a step closer with the release today by the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, of draft legislation on the Government's proposed changes to the non‑commercial loan rules.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Wayne Swan MP
Treasurer
and
The Hon Chris Bowen MP
Minister For Financial Services, Superannuation And Corporate Law

The Government welcomes the Productivity Commission's final report on Australia's director and executive remuneration framework.

Assistant Treasurer and Labor Senator for Tasmania, Nick Sherry, says the latest State and national economic figures point to a hopeful 2010 for Tasmania – which is leading the rest of Australia on several fronts.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Craig Emerson
Minister for Small Business

As the Christmas sales approach, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Small Business Minister, Dr Craig Emerson, are reminding business owners they have only a few days left to take advantage of their own big discount.

The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry, today released for public consultation exposure draft legislation that will repeal the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules and Deemed Present Entitlement (DPE) rules.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public consultation draft legislation to change a key tax rule for forestry managed investment schemes (MIS) that will protect investors in recently collapsed schemes.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced the Rudd Government will introduce legislation to allow tax deductions for gifts to the Bali Peace Park Association Inc.

Joint Media Release
with
the Hon Peter Garrett MP
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, have today announced that 11 organisations involved in the fight against climate change and helping to preserve and protect the environment have been granted tax deductible status.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced eight Australian organisations funding overseas development projects have been granted tax deductible status.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public consultation draft legislation, together with explanatory material, on the proposed changes to the thin capitalisation rules of the income tax law.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Samoan Minister of Revenue, the Hon Tuu'u Anasi'i Leota, today signed a bilateral tax information exchange agreement (TIEA) that will allow the exchange of tax information between Australia and Samoa.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Dutch Ambassador, HE Mr Cornelis Wilhelmus Andreæ, today signed a bilateral tax information exchange agreement (TIEA) that will allow tax information to be exchanged between Australia and the Caribbean island of Aruba.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the Board of Taxation's review into whether the tax rules on the alienation of personal services income are proving effective, including in curtailing the use of sham contracting arrangements.

The Rudd Government has taken another step in the reform of the administration of the Good and Services Tax (GST), with the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today releasing for public comment a second tranche of draft reform legislation.

Senator Nick Sherry
Assistant Treasurer
Labor Senator for Tasmania
Sid Sidebottom MP
Member for Braddon

The young people of Devonport took to their wheels today as Assistant Treasurer and Senator for Tasmania, Nick Sherry, and Member for Braddon, Sid Sidebottom MP, officially opened the Devonport Skate Park community infrastructure project

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public consultation the Rudd Government's draft legislation, together with explanatory material, on the proposed changes to the taxation of gains and losses on disposal of investments by managed investment trusts (MITs).

Joint Media Release
with
the Hon Sid Sidebottom
Member for Braddon
and
the Hon Maxine McKew MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure, Transport,
Regional Development and Local Government

The Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom has joined Assistant Treasurer Senator Nick Sherry and the Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development Maxine McKew in welcoming today's official opening of the newly-upgraded Vintex Recycling Processing Facility at Wynyard in Tasmania's north-west.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced Australia and Canada have begun negotiations to update their existing tax treaty.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the passage of the Tax Laws Amendment (2009 Budget Measures No. 2) Bill 2009 through the Senate.

Joint Media Release
with
Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Minister for Climate Change and Water

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today announced that the Government will provide a capital gains tax (CGT) roll-over for water entitlements and water allocations.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today released the Inspector-General of Taxation's Review into aspects of the Tax Office's settlement of active compliance activities

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released a consultation paper on the proposed changes to the income tax law to formalise the existing tax practice of exempting certain income earned by foreign governments.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Lindsay Tanner MP
Minister for Finance and Deregulation
and
The Hon Brendan O'Connor MP
Minister for Home Affairs

The Rudd Government today announced that the Australian Taxation Office will take responsibility for the administration of all excise-equivalent goods, known as EEGs, from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (Customs).

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Craig Emerson
Minister for Small Business

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Small Business Minister, Dr Craig Emerson, today reminded businesses they need to act by 31 December 2009 to benefit from the small business tax break.

The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced a Productivity Commission review into the impact of bilateral and regional trade agreements on trade and on investment barriers.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the new tax agent services regime will commence on 1 March 2010.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the passage of the Tax Laws Amendments (2009 Measures No. 5) Bill 2009 through the Senate.

The Rudd Government has today introduced into Parliament a Bill to give effect to three international taxation treaties that will further improve investment and trade flows between Australia and New Zealand and boost the Rudd Government's efforts to combat global tax evasion.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister
and
The Hon Jenny Macklin MP
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
and
The Hon Bill Shorten MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services

The Productivity Commission will investigate the feasibility of new approaches for funding and delivering long-term disability care and support.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Kevin Rudd MP
Prime Minister

The Prime Minister and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has been approved to conduct the 16th national Census on 9 August 2011.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today issued an Australia-wide warning against fraudulent phoenix activity and released a package of tough new proposals to crackdown on businesses who rip-off of their workers and the general taxpaying community.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry and modern day explorer, Jesse Martin, have today launched the first coins for 2010 which commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Burke and Wills Expedition.

As part of the Rudd Government's ongoing commitment to supporting a vibrant philanthropic sector in Australia, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today launched Philanthropy Australia's Private Ancillary Funds Trustee Handbook.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today released rewrites of 149 pages of income tax law for public consultation in a further step towards a single Income Tax Assessment Act.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today welcomed the passage through Parliament of the final Bill of the of the new tax agent services regime.

RAROTONGA, COOKS ISLANDS – Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry has met with Economic Ministers from across the Pacific in wide ranging regional economic talks at the Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM).

RAROTONGA, COOKS ISLANDS – Pacific Economic Ministers have endorsed Australia's call for a reduction in the fees, costs and charges of remittances across the Pacific.

The Australian Taxation Office has reported a $20 billion fall in revenue collections for the 2008-09 financial year due to the global recession, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has announced today.

RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS – Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Cook Islands Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Finance, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sir Terepai Maoate KBE, met today in Rarotonga, to sign a comprehensive bilateral tax information exchange agreement between Australia and Cook Islands.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today approved the application by Yanzhou Coal Mining Company Limited (Yanzhou) to acquire full ownership of Felix Resources Limited (Felix), conditional upon it complying with legally enforceable undertakings provided by Yanzhou.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today launched the national Tax Practitioners Board, announcing its membership and holding an inaugural meeting with the full Board.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released a discussion paper on the Rudd Government's 2009-10 Budget measure to extend the tax file number (TFN) withholding arrangements to closely held trusts, including family trusts.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that the Rudd Government will amend the income tax law to make it easier for companies participating in dual listed company arrangements to access capital gains tax (CGT) demerger provisions.

Joint Media Release
with
Jenny Macklin MP
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

The Australian Government welcomes the release of the Productivity Commission's draft report into Gambling.

The Rudd Government has today introduced into Parliament the final form of the legislation to reform the taxation of employee share schemes, an important integrity measure contained in the 2009-10 Budget which will deliver a $135 million boost to the Budget bottom line.

The Government has today introduced legislation to close the tax loophole around hobby farms and similar non-commercial pursuits by high-income individuals, as part of the Government's commitment to improve the fairness and integrity of the tax system.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced the Rudd Government will amend the tax law to protect around 19,000 investors in forestry managed investment schemes (MIS) from an unintended and adverse tax outcome.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry today announced the national strategy aimed at stamping out tax evasion is reaping dividends for the Australian community.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the composition of Tax Design Advisory Panel, delivering on the Rudd Government's commitment to enhanced consultation with the business community in the development and design of new tax laws.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today released the Inspector-General of Taxation's (IGT) Review into the non-lodgement of individual income tax returns, while announcing that the Rudd Government's tax bonus stimulus payment has reaped an important side-benefit by boosting the number of taxpayers who've lodged tax returns to an all-time high of around 96 per cent.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
WITH
DICK ADAMS MP
MEMBER FOR LYONS

Assistant Treasurer and Labor Senator for Tasmania, Senator Nick Sherry, and Dick Adams MP, Federal Member for Lyons, have welcomed the results of a leading survey showing Tasmania has the best performing economy in Australia.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has announced that Australia and Guernsey, a significant financial centre, have today signed a new tax information exchange agreement.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – During the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings, and three weeks before the first Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers' Meeting (FEMM) since the global recession hit the world economy, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has convened another round of the informal dialogue with Pacific Economic Ministers.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today represented Australia at the Fourth Bali Dialogue held in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public comment the first set of legislation aimed at making it simpler for business owners to carry out their goods and services tax (GST) obligations.

A month after Australia was elected chair of the Global Forum on tax transparency and information exchange, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today addressed an international forum on tax evasion associated with the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

This afternoon the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, is travelling to the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in Istanbul, Turkey, to continue the Rudd Government's strong advocacy for effective international collaboration in the face of the global recession.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has welcomed the move by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to run its CensusAtSchool project on an annual basis and is urging students to register online from today to take advantage of this valuable research tool.

Joint Media Release
with
David Bradbury MP
Member for Lindsay

The Rudd Government's Small Business Tax Break has encouraged local businesses to invest in their productive capacity and keep Penrith working, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry and Federal Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury, said today.

Joint Media Release
with
David Bradbury MP
Member for Lindsay

The Rudd Government's stimulus strategy is helping to keep Penrith working by injecting $200 million into the local economy in just the last nine months, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry and Member for Lindsay, David Bradbury MP, have announced today.

Joint Media Release
with
Hon. Wayne Swan
Treasurer
and
Hon. Chris Bowen
Minister for Human Services,
Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law

The Government welcomes the release today of the Productivity Commission's discussion draft of its report Executive Remuneration in Australia.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Tony Burke MP
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

The Rudd Government is delivering on another transparency measure announced as part of the bulk wheat export marketing reforms last year.

The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, the international body tasked with monitoring tax havens, tax preferential jurisdictions and promoting international tax information exchange has elected Australia its inaugural international chair for a term of two years.

Joint Media Release
with
Jim Turnour MP
Member for Leichhardt

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Federal Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, have today visited a primary school in Cairns to meet with a local building company employing 50 workers as part of a multi-million dollar schools infrastructure project funded by the Rudd Government's Building the Education Revolution.

Joint Media Release
with
Jim Turnour MP
Member for Leichhardt

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Federal Member for Leichhardt, Jim Turnour, have today met with and congratulated Cairns small business owner Ray Larnarch, who has entered a new chapter in the growth of this successful small business with the assistance of local hard work and the Small Business Tax Break.

Joint Media Release
with
Jenny Macklin MP
Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today launched a commemorative one dollar coin to mark the centenary of the Age Pension.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has welcomed the successful passage through Parliament today of the International Tax Agreements Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2009 as yet another step in the Rudd Government's efforts to improve the transparency and integrity of the global financial and taxation system.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Bill Shorten MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction, have today highlighted the introduction into Parliament of the legislation that makes possible a wider use of donations made by the public to support communities devastated in this Victorian bushfires.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the post-consultation details of the 2009-10 Budget measure to tighten the non-commercial loan rules.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released a second consultation paper on reforms to goods and services tax (GST) administration aimed at improving the operation of the tax law.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry has today welcomed the passage through the Senate of important tax law reforms.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has marked today's official opening of the refurbished Royal Australian Mint in Canberra by highlighting the economic benefits already made possible by the new high-tech facility.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, at a ceremony in Canberra, has today signed an amended tax treaty between Australia and Singapore, enabling the greater exchange of information on potential tax abuse.

It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of the current Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Australian Mint, Ms Janine Murphy. Janine passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning after suffering from a long illness.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today highlighted the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) strong endorsement of the tax approach to small businesses in Australia during the global recession.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator the Nick Sherry, today released Exposure Draft legislation and explanatory material to improve the company loss recoupment rules in Australia.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced several amendments to the income tax law relating to the Taxation of Financial Arrangements, known as TOFA, in a move to further modernise Australia's financial taxation system.

Joint Media Release
with
Sid Sidebottom MP
Member for Braddon

Assistant Treasurer and Labor Senator for Tasmania, Senator Nick Sherry and Sid Sidebottom MP, Federal Member for Braddon, have today announced Australian Government funding to support jobs and traineeships in the local region.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced that Australia will host the XXVI International Mint Directors Conference in Canberra in 2010.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public comment draft legislation for the abolition of what is known as the capital gains tax (CGT) "trust cloning exception".

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Duncan Kerr SC MP
Member for Denison
Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs

Assistant Treasurer and Labor Senator for Tasmania, Senator Nick Sherry and the Hon Duncan Kerr MP, Federal Member for Denison and Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs, have praised Tasmania's strong state trade performance after the release of the latest annual figures.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Tanya Plibersek
Minister for the Status of Women

The Assistant Treasurer, Nick Sherry and Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, today announced that a $1 coin celebrating the Centenary of Girl Guides will be released into full circulation during 2010.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced Australia and Gibraltar have signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA), now bringing to seven the number of TIEAs signed by Australia since 2005.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, said today that an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) submission to a Parliamentary inquiry highlights the growing dangers of cyber crime to the financial and tax security of individual Australians and also to Government agencies.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Wayne Swan
Treasurer

Today the Government announces the removal of interest withholding tax (IWT) on Commonwealth Government Securities.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced that Typhoon Morakot, which hit Taiwan on Friday, 7 August 2009, has been recognised as a disaster for the purpose of allowing Australians to claim a tax deduction for donations made to charities for relief efforts.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that the Rudd Government will introduce amendments to the income tax law to formalise the existing tax practice of exempting certain income earned by foreign governments.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today highlighted that the Liberal Party majority report of the Senate Economics Reference Committee Review into Employee Share Schemes poses an immediate $135 million threat to the Budget bottom line.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Bill Shorten MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator the Nick Sherry, and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction, today announced that the Rudd Government will amend Federal tax law to allow the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (the Fund) to conduct a broader range of charitable and community activities.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the Government's draft legislation to reform the taxation of employee share schemes for a two-track public consultation process.

Ahead of today's commencement of the Spring sittings of Parliament, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has released the Rudd Government's forward work program of tax law reforms for the Parliamentary session.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the Inspector-General of Taxation's report of his Review into the Underlying Causes and the Management of Objections to Tax Office Decisions.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry has today announced a world-first agreement between the Australian and New Zealand Governments to continue cutting business reporting red tape.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, visiting New Zealand as part of an Australian Ministerial delegation, has marked one year of operation of the Australia-New Zealand Mutual Recognition Agreement in a meeting with his New Zealand counterpart, the Hon Simon Power, New Zealand Minister of Commerce.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, is warning Australians of a suspected door-to-door scam by people claiming to be consultants from the Tax Office.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the Inspector-General of Taxation's (IGT) report on the Review of the Tax Office's administration of public binding advice.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today welcomed the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) $13 billion haul of outstanding taxes and liabilities from individuals and companies trying to cheat the system.

The Assistant Treasurer and Senator for Tasmania, Senator Nick Sherry, has today called on Tasmanian Liberal Senator, Eric Abetz, to do the honourable thing and apologise to the people of Tasmania and Australia and then resign.

Joint Media Release
with
Bill Shorten MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released a consultation paper on proposed reforms to the tax treatment of special disability trusts to ease the financial burden on people with disabilities as well as their carers and families.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for public comment a final version of the Regulations for the new national tax agents system.

Tax time this year has provided a $20 million dollar boost for the charity sector, with the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, approving the registration of 36 private charitable trusts.

Joint Media Release
with
Senator Penny Wong
Minister for Climate Change and Water

Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced a Productivity Commission study into alternative market mechanisms that the Australian Government could use to diversify its purchase of water entitlements in the Murray‑Darling Basin.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the timeframes for the final round of industry consultations on reforms to the taxation of employee share schemes, including releasing the Terms of Reference for the Board of Taxation review component.

Two high-profile tax crackdowns have this past financial year raised more than $313 million in tax liabilities and penalties against tax cheats the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has announced today.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today reaffirmed the strong international partnership between Australia and the United States over tax cooperation, including on tax havens, tax evasion and other tax abuse issues currently on the G20 agenda.

Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released for consultation an Exposure Draft Bill aimed at protecting $655 million in revenue, put at risk as a result of a decision last year of the Federal Court concerning insolvency and the application of the goods and services tax (GST).

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today launched a commemorative $1 coin celebrating Australian citizenship and marking the 60th anniversary of the Nationality and Citizenship Act 1949.

With tax time here, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, is encouraging Australians to take advantage of the extensive range of options to make filing their tax returns easier and more convenient.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today released a Policy Statement setting out the final taxation treatment of shares and rights acquired under employee share schemes, effective from today. The final policy provides further certainty to allow companies to continue to provide share schemes into the future.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Wayne Swan
Treasurer

New tax relief starting tomorrow will boost incentives for hard work, building on last year's tax cuts and the Government's economic stimulus payments to deliver substantial benefits to low and middle-income Australians.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today confirmed that following the Second Conference on the Fight against International Tax Fraud and Evasion held in Berlin, Germany, the Rudd Government continues to strongly support the tough global position against tax evasion taken by the 19 participant countries.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Simon Crean MP
Minister for Trade

The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced that Australia and New Zealand have signed a new tax treaty to replace the existing treaty and amending protocol. The new treaty was signed by Mr Crean in Paris on 26 June, 2009.

Joint Media Release
with
The Hon Simon Crean MP
Minister for Trade

The Minister for Trade, Simon Crean, and the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the signing of a Protocol to amend the tax treaty between Australia and the Kingdom of Belgium.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today introduced into Parliament the Tax Laws Amendment (Measures No 4) Bill 2009, which establishes for the first time a comprehensive legal framework for prescribed private funds that will boost the integrity of our tax system and ensure such funds deliver strong philanthropic outcomes.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today announced the introduction into Parliament of the Tax Agent Services (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009, another important legislative step in establishing the new national tax agent regime.

Assistant Treasurer Senator Nick Sherry has today outlined several key tax measures for community attention as the current financial year draws to a close.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has today released the Government's updated forward tax work program outlining the consultation process for announced tax measures and highlighting remaining measures to be introduced in the 2009 Winter Parliamentary sittings.

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today announced the signing of a tax information exchange agreement (TIEA) and an agreement for the allocation of taxing rights over certain income of individuals between Australia and Jersey.

Senator Nick Sherry, Senator for Tasmania, was this morning sworn in as Assistant Treasurer of Australia by the Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, at Government House, Canberra.