Australia Announces Details Of October Tax Forum
Wednesday August 31 2011 | 03:35 AM

The Australian Gillard Government has announced the invitation list, program and facilitators for the country’s Tax Forum to be held in Canberra on October 4 and 5.

According to Wayne Swan, Treasurer, there was a very good response from individuals, community groups, businesses and organizations applying to attend the Tax Forum, with around 500 expressions of interest received.

The Tax Forum will help identify priorities and directions to build on the government's tax reform efforts. There will be sessions on personal tax, transfer payments, business tax, state taxes, environmental and social taxes, and tax system governance.

As part of the discussion, participants will need to keep in mind the government's commitment to fiscal discipline. To this end, participants will be invited to provide a statement that outlines their proposals and how they can be funded.

Facilitators for the forum will be Paul Clitheroe and Michael Pascoe, who together bring many years of experience in taxation, finance and the media to their roles.

Clitheroe is a leading commentator. As Chair of the Financial Literacy Board, he has established a national strategy to improve the financial skills of all Australians through schools and the workplace.

Pascoe is one of Australia's most respected and experienced finance and economics commentators, with 37 years in newspaper, broadcast and online journalism covering economic, business and finance issues.

Swan commented: “Since coming to office, this government has made substantial progress in the reform of our tax and transfer system.”

“We have delivered three rounds of personal tax cuts, with plans to triple the tax-free threshold. We are boosting national savings, by increasing the superannuation guarantee and providing a new contribution for 3.5m low income earners. We have provided an historic increase in the age pension in a fiscally sustainable way. We are introducing better assessment processes for Disability Support Pensioners and better incentives to work for students, single parents and pensioners to boost workforce participation and strengthen our economy.”