On 5 February 2008 the federal government announced the formation of the Financial Services Working Group dedicated to looking at the key issues associated with financial services advice and disclosure. The Working Group comprises senior officials from the Department of Treasury, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

This paper provides a summary of trends in government spending, revealing strong growth in government spending and the size of government, particularly over the past four years. It also discusses the distribution and sustainability of spending and notes the importance of high quality spending and flexibility in resource allocation in responding to future pressures.

This statement provides details of concessions, benefits and incentives provided through the tax system (tax expenditures) to taxpayers by the Australian government. The publication of information on the Australian Government’s tax expenditures is a requirement under the Charter of Budget Honesty Act 1998. This statement lists around 300 tax expenditures and, where possible, reports the...

On 4 February 2008, the government confirmed its 2007 federal election commitment to establish First Home Saver Accounts to assist Australians aged 18 and over to save for their first home. First Home Saver Accounts will provide a simple, tax effective way for Australians to save a deposit for their first home through a combination...

Under the Competition Principles Agreement (CPA), the Australian Government is required to publish an annual report outlining its progress towards: achieving the review and, where appropriate, reform of all existing legislation that restricts competition (as outlined in the Commonwealth Legislation Review Schedule); and implementing competitive neutrality principles (including allegations of non compliance).