20 December 2001

The Business Coalition for Tax Reform's agenda for 2002 will focus on improving compliance efficiency and driving for further critical changes to Australia's taxation arrangements.

The Chairman of the Coalition of 40 industry associations representing business across Australia, Mr Mark Bayliss, said "The BCTR is committed to building on its successful track record in working with Government in the cause of effective tax reform.

We have identified three critical areas in progressing the tax reform Agenda. These are:

•  Tax administration and compliance costs

•  State taxes and Federal/State financial relations

• International tax reform.

BCTR Chairman Mr. Mark Bayliss, said: "Improvements to the administration of taxation are the common thread running through the full range of taxation issues currently confronting the business community."

Mr Bayliss expressed support for the Federal Government's new emphasis on improving the administration of taxation. The BCTR members are very keen to participate with the Government and the taxation authorities in reviewing and renewing both the administrative processes and the culture of taxation administration in Australia.

The Government's announcement of the position of Inspector General of Taxation and its general commitment to improve governance, efficiency and effectiveness across the public sector are particularly encouraging. Together with the recently established Board of Taxation they suggest the time is now right for business to seek real progress in this area.

Other reform areas which the BCTR has nominated for its 2002 program include the taxation of savings, personal income taxation and the Tax Value Method. The BCTR will meet again in February 2002 to further evaluate all of these areas.

The BCTR is an apolitical grouping of industry associations with the common objective of seeking fundamental and responsible improvements to Australian taxation.

For further information:

Peter Burn

Business Coalition for Tax Reform

0418 688 669