OECD interim economic outlook, March 2009

01 April 2009Taking account of the deepest and most widespread recession in the OECD and world economies for more than 50 years, this report analyses recent developments and focuses on policy actions required to foster a sustained recovery.  The report covers the outlook to end-2010, providing detailed economic projections for the major seven (G7) economies and the OECD area as a whole. Developments in major non-OECD economies are also evaluated. The Report also contains a chapter entitled “The Effectiveness and Scope of Fiscal Stimulus”, which provides cross-country comparable data on fiscal responses related to the crisis in OECD countries and addresses the following issues:

• What fiscal policy measures have so far been announced in response to the crisis and how effective will they be in boosting activity?

• What are the costs and benefits of further fiscal action?

• Should further fiscal stimulus be undertaken and if so by which countries?

• What issues do arise in timing fiscal stimulus programmes?

Noticeboard

22 March 2012

The Attorney-General's Department has launched a new inquiry to explore the scope for reforming Australian contract law. There will be a three-month consultation period.

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.