'Kerrigan Clause' may be no bar to Abbott's pledge

20 October 2011In Inside Story, Fergus Green explains how an Abbott government may be able to repeal the carbon tax without paying compensation.

“TELL ’em to get stuffed.” That’s what Darryl Kerrigan – the central character in 1997 comedy hit The Castle – had to say when the federal government sought to compulsorily acquire his beloved home to make way for an expansion of Melbourne Airport. Now that Tony Abbott is pledging to repeal the carbon price legislation without compensating the holders of carbon units if he forms government at the next election, the Labor government, the Greens and even big business are channelling Darryl in response. As a matter of policy, the Abbott pledge is staggeringly reckless, but the law may well be on his side…

Noticeboard

07 March 2012

In May 2011 the Federal Government announced that the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) would commence operations from 1 July 2012 and that it would initially be responsible for determining the legal status of groups seeking charitable, public benevolent institution, and other not-for-profit (NFP) benefits on behalf of all Commonwealth agencies. 

07 February 2012
The Productivity Commission has been asked to report within 8 months on Default Superannuation Funds in Modern Awards. The inquiry covers the design of criteria for the selection and ongoing assessment of superannuation funds for nomination as default funds in modern awards.
20 December 2011

On 18 November 2011, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, announced the establishment of an independent panel of eminent community leaders to conduct an inquiry into Australian Government services to ensure they are responsive to the needs of Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.