Changes to Australian IWT for debt instruments issued by the Commonwealth, States, Territories and their authorities - 24 August 2009
The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer have announced that the Federal Government intends to change the Australian interest withholding tax (IWT) treatment for certain bonds, notes and other debentures and debt interests (debt instruments) issued by the Commonwealth, States and Territories and their authorities. The Federal Treasury also released an exposure draft of amending legislation and explanatory material to implement these changes.
Commonwealth Grant Guidelines now apply to funding programs - 7 July 2009
The Minister for Finance and Deregulation has released the Commonwealth Grant Guidelines (CGGs), which include new mandatory requirements as well as practical guidance for Australian Government departments and agencies and their officials in implementing, administering and reporting on funding programs.
New Australia - NZ double tax agreement signed - 29 June 2009
The Australian and New Zealand governments today announced that the two countries have signed a new tax treaty to replace the existing 1995 treaty and 2005 protocol.
Commercially sensitive documents exposed by FOI in Queensland - 5 June 2009
On 2 June 2009, the Queensland Parliament passed the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) (the RTI Act) and Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) (the IP Act). These Acts create significant changes to the Freedom of Information (FOI) regime in Queensland. People will now have access to the documents of agencies and ministers, unless on balance, release of the material can be shown to be contrary to the public interest.
Commonwealth Government inquiry into contribution of the not-for-profit sector - 23 April 2009
The Australian Government is seeking to improve its understanding of the contribution of not-for-profit organisations as a means of informing policy and identifying better ways of working with the sector. This may lead to significant changes in the laws regulating not for profit organisations.
Australia’s National Innovation Report- Key Points for Corporate Counsel - 11 September 2008
On 9 September 2008, the Federal Government released a major report on Australia’s National Innovation System. The Report was prepared by a panel chaired by Dr Terry Cutler, which included respected economists and research industry experts. This Alert identifies the specific key recommendations and issues raised by the Report which would have a legal impact on major corporations.
New Government IP Principles Issued - 11 May 2007
On 11 May 2007, the Commonwealth Attorney-General released the Intellectual Property Principles for Australian Government Agencies (IP Principles). The IP Principles establish a broad policy framework for government agencies on a range of IP-related matters, including procurement, IP management and record keeping and public access to Government IP.
The Australian Government Future Fund: opportunities for investment managers - 5 April 2006
The Australian Government’s Future Fund aims to fully underwrite the Commonwealth’s unfunded public service superannuation liabilities. The liabilities are expected to grow to around A$140 billion by 2020. The Fund will be seeded with A$18 billion by 30 June 2006. The Fund presents opportunities for local and overseas investment managers.
Financial services law alert - 23 June 2004
The Commonwealth Government recently announced its intention to significantly reform Australia's anti-money laundering regulatory regime. More…
Corporate governance alert - 6 May 2004
On 23 April 2004, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) unanimously agreed to ratify its earlier "in-principle agreement" that Australia adopt International Accounting Standards (IAS). More...
Capital markets alert - 21 October 2003
ASX has proposed a set of clever and insightful Listing Rules reforms/relaxation for broad discussion. The proposed changes are aimed at improving the capital raising options available to Australian listed entities. More…
Singapore telecommunications industry alert - June 2003
Singapore's Info-communications Development Authority has issued draft Advisory Guidelines for public consultation. The draft Guidelines cover the process of review and approval of consolidations involving telecommunications operators in Singapore. More…
Information technology update - July 2004
Mallesons' information technology update discusses recent issues in a number of areas of IT including outsourcing and directors' duties, alternative dispute resolution, RFPs, and an overview of one of the industry's best known cases. More...