Southern Cross Group Newsletter
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fair go mate
Occasional Newsletter
No. 5 of 6 June 2008 2008
In this issue
Australian Citizenship Applications.
Submissions to Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
UN Convention on Discrimination Against Women
Same-Sex Discrimination in Commonwealth Superannuation Schemes
Intercountry Adoption
Government Proposes Ratification of UN Disabilities Convention
Diplomatic Appointments
Current Government Reviews
A Reminder from Australia's Border Agencies
New Technology Strengthening Australia's Borders
Free Trade Agreement with Chile
First Home Saver Accounts Scheme
Passenger Movement Charge to Increase
2020 Summit - Final Report
Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretoneux
New Pre-Travel Authorization Program for US-Bound Travelers
Taxation
Web Sites of Interest.
A Message from the Editor
After recent amicable exchanges with DIAC staff in Canberra and at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC about delays in the processing of some Australian citizenship applications, we are seeking input from people who have already made citizenship applications which have not yet been decided. See the item below.
Submissions to the JSCEM parliamentary inquiry on the 2007 Australian federal election have now been posted to the Australian Parliament House website. Our thanks to the many overseas Australians who made their views known to the JSCEM. The SCG made a substantial submission on 28 May.
We hope you find the many other articles in this newsletter of interest and look forward to receiving your feedback.
Regards
John (Sid) MacGregor
Editor
Canberra and Brussels
editor@southern-cross-group.org
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsorship Opportunities
Would your business like to sponsor future editions of this newsletter? Sponsorship money is essential to enable the SCG to keep serving the Australian Diaspora. The SCG is entirely volunteer-run and has no paid staff. Sponsorship and donations help offset overheads such as web-hosting fees, postage, stationery, and other sundry outlays. Contact us for further information at info@southern-cross-group.org
______________________________________________________________________________
When did you Submit your Australian Citizenship Application?
The SCG is presently working with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to try to improve Australian citizenship application processing times. A number of applicants have been concerned about long delays and we have been taking up individual cases with DIAC.
Help us to help you by letting us know immediately if you have lodged a citizenship application which has not yet been decided. In particular, if you lodged your application via the Australian Embassy in Washington, we would like to hear from you.
An e-mail to anne@southern-cross-group.org with the following details would be appreciated:
Your full name
Your address
Your date and place of birth
Whether you have applied for resumption, citizenship by descent, or by conferral
The date you sent your application or lodged it in person
Where your application was sent to or lodged in person
Details of any communication you have received from the DIAC or the post at which you lodged the application since it was sent/filed.
We will engage with the Department concerning your application to try to make sure it is decided as quickly as possible.
If for any reason an e-mail response is not possible, then please send a short note to Anne MacGregor, 17 Ave C. Gilisquet, 1030 Brussels, Belgium, or phone her on +32 474 950 131.
If you have yet to submit your Australian citizenship application, then don't forget we are here to help you. If you feel overwhelmed by the process or are stuck on a particular point, then please get in touch. Hundreds of people are now happy Australian citizens under the new Citizenship Act, and we want you to benefit as well!
If you've already had your citizenship application approved, and haven't let us know, we'd be grateful for an update from you on how it all went.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Submissions to Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM)
As of 6 June 2008, 159 submissions made to the JSCEM Inquiry into the 2007 Federal Election have been posted to the submissions page of the inquiry website. The Southern Cross Group's primary submission plus annexes dated 28 May 2008 is included as No. 158 and can be accessed here.
The SCG has called for amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to solve the expat disenfranchisement problem, arguing that the High Court's 2007 reasons in the Roach case may well mean that current legislation is unconstitutional, and that in any event it is time for a re-think on the engagement of the diaspora in the Australian electoral process.
The SCG has also stressed that even if the law is not changed, the AEC must do far more to make sure that Australians going overseas and those already living overseas are properly educated on the rules on enrolment and voting that apply to them once offshore.
All feedback on the SCG's submission is welcome. E-mail your comments to info@southern-cross-group.org.
Dates for public hearings by the Committee have not yet been advised. You can keep up to date with progress in the inquiry by checking the Inquiry website.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Australia Moves Towards UN Convention on Discrimination Against Women
On 23 May 2008 the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, announced that steps have begun for Australia to accede to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
____________________________________________________________________________________
Legislation to End Same-Sex Discrimination in Commonwealth Superannuation Schemes
The Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws - Superannuation) Bill 2008 was introduced into Parliament by the Attorney-General Robert McClelland on 28 May 2008. The Bill makes amendments so that same-sex couples are no longer denied the payment of death benefits from superannuation schemes or the tax concessions on death benefits currently made available to opposite-sex couples. The associated media release makes it clear that the Bill applies only to Commonwealth Government schemes listed in the media release. Private sector schemes are not covered by the Bill.
The text of the Bill, its explanatory memoranda, and the Minister's extensive second reading speech are available via the links on the Bills webpage.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Intercountry Adoption
On 21 May 2008 the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, opened the inaugural meeting of the National Overseas Adoption Support Group, which was established by the Rudd Government to provide a voice for the intercountry adoption community. See the media release and his speech.
For people wanting more information about the steps being taken by the Government regarding intercountry adoption, the Attorney-General's department has launched a new comprehensive website. Note that the information relates to adoptions by Australian residents.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Government Proposes Ratification of UN Disabilities Convention
On 4 June 2008 the Government tabled in the Parliament a National Interest Analysis which proposes that Australia ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. See the media release.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Diplomatic Appointments
Poland
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
The 30 May 2008 media releases from the Minister for Foreign Affairs announcing each of these appointments are to be found on his media release web page.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Current Government Reviews
We list here some of the current reviews being undertaken at the direction of Government Ministers that we are aware of. Some may have little of no direct impact on expats but if you believe that you have a contribution to make, we encourage you to do so.
Review of Patentable Subject Matter
The Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) seeks expressions of interest from individuals and organisations to take part in a review of patentable subject matter. ACIP expects to circulate an Issues Paper in July with a request for written submissions by September.
ACIP has two other reviews in hand:
Review of post-grant Patent Enforcement Strategies
Review of enforcement of Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR)
Details
Govt. Green Paper on Reform of Financial services and Credit Regulation
On 3 June 2008 the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry, released a green paper which outlines a way forward for the Commonwealth and states to transfer the remaining financial services regulation from the State level. Under the plan, financial services, including mortgages, mortgage brokers, margin lending, non-bank lending and trustee companies, will move to the Federal level. Submissions on the green paper are invited and close on 1 July 2008.
See the Minister's media release and the green paper
Consultation Paper on Increasing Access to simple Superannuation Advice
The Government has released a consultation paper on increasing access to simple superannuation advice. The paper seeks comment on regulatory and other steps that could be taken to improve Australians' access to low-cost financial advice within their superannuation fund. The advice would seek to answer member queries on issues including investment choice, insurance, contribution types, nominating beneficiaries and retirement income projections. Closing date for public submissions is 15 July 2008. See the media release of 30 May 2008 and the consultation paper.
Digital Television Switchover Discussion Paper
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has announced the release of a discussion paper covering a legislative framework for the digital television switchover. Submissions are due by 4 July 2008.
See the media release and the discussion paper.
Defence Discussion Paper and Community Consultation Program
The Minister for Defence, theJoel Fitzgibbon, has launched the Defence White Paper Community Consultation Program and released a public discussion paper 'Key Questions for Defence in the 21st Century'.
See the media release and the discussion paper.
____________________________________________________________________________________
A Reminder from Australia's Border Agencies
Australian Customs and Australian Quarantine issued a joint reminder on 22 May 2008 to persons arriving in Australia about the customs and quarantine rules applying to them.
__________________________________________________________________________________
New Technology Strengthening Australia's Borders
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced on 20 May 2008 that new technology is now in place at international airports and seaports that will help strengthen Australia's border security.
He said "In assessing whether a person is eligible to enter the country, Immigration staff have access to the passenger's travel history, travel documentation, contact information, known aliases as well as the status of any security checks."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Free Trade Agreement with Chile
Om 27 May 2008 the Minister for Trade, Simon Creen, announced that Australia has concluded a free trade agreement with Chile. Mr Crean said he expected the Agreement to be signed in late July, and to enter into force on 1 January 2009 following ratification in each country.
The Minister's statement to Parliament and the Opposition response is to be found at pages 32 to 35 of the HoR Hansard of 27 May 2008.
_________________________________________________________________________________
First Home Saver Accounts Scheme
As reported in an earlier Newsletter, the Government is introducing a First Home Saver Accounts Scheme. Three Bills to give effect to this were introduced in the Parliament on 28 May 2008 - see pages 1 to 2 of the HoR Hansard of that day.
The explanatory memoranda for two of the Bills may be found by using the links on the following web pages: FIRST HOME SAVER ACCOUNTS BILL 2008 and FIRST HOME SAVER ACCOUNTS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 2008
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Passenger Movement Charge to Increase
As one of its Budget measures the Government has introduced a Bill into Parliament to increase the Passenger Movement Charge, applied to all deprtures from Australia, by $A9 to $A47 from 1 July 2008. The second reading speech by the Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, when introducing the Bill for the increase is to be found at pages 7 to 8 of the HoR Hansard of 28 May 2008.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2020 Summit - Final Report
The Final Report of the 2020 Summit was published on 31 May 2008. Various downloadable versions are in seval file formats. Prime Minister's media release.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretoneux to be an Annual Event
The Government has committed to holding an Anzac Day dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux as an annual event.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
New Pre-Travel Authorization Program for US-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Program Countries
The US Department of Homeland Security announced on 3 June 2008 that a new Electronic System for Travel Authorities (ESTA) will commence on a voluntary basis from 1 August 2008 and from 12 January 2009 on a mandatory basis. ESTA applies to all nationals from countries in the visa waiver program which includes Australia. The new system will require travellers to receive an electronic travel authorization 3 days prior to boarding a US-bound airplane or cruise ship.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Taxation
SCG Note
All we are seeking to do in regard to taxation matters is to make you aware of some of the issues that may affect you. It is for you to do your own research and make your own decisions about the issues.
We are not qualified or competent to provide personal advice on the matters we identify, nor are we able to respond to any queries you may have.
ATO Advices
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) - Voluntary Repayments
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) update 2007-2008 income year
Foreign exchange rates to end May 2008
Withholding Arrangements for Managed Fund Distributions to Foreign Residents
In the 2008 Budget the Government announced it will introduce a final withholding regime imposing tax on fund payments from managed investment trusts to non-residents investors at a rate which will reduce to 7.5% over a three year implementation period. The measure will restrict the reduced rate to residents of countries with which Australia has effective exchange of information.
The details of the arrangements are covered in a press release issued jointly by the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs.
Two Bills were introduced into the HoR on 4 June 2008 to give effect to this change. The texts of the Bills, their explanatory memoranda, and the Minister's second reading speech are accessible through the links on the following web pages:
Tax Laws Amendment (Election Commitments No. 1) Bill 2008
Income Tax (Managed Investment Trust Transitional) Bill 2008
Medicare Levy Changes
In the Budget the Government announced that it was raising the thresholds for the Medicare levy applicable to higher income earners who do not have private health insurance. Two Bills to give effect to this were introduced into the Parliament on 27 May 2008 - see pages 45 to 46 of the HoR Hansard for that day.
Explanatory memoranda explaining the Bills may be seen by using the links on the following web pages:
TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (MEDICARE LEVY AND MEDICARE LEVY SURCHARGE) BILL 2008
TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (MEDICARE LEVY SURCHARGE THRESHOLDS) BILL 2008
TaxPack 2008
The ATO has released information about the availability of the various TaxPacks needed to lodge your 2008 income tax return, including arrangements for those overseas.
________________________________________________________________________________
Web Sites of Interest
From time to time we come across web sites that may be of interest to expats. Where appropriate, and where a commercial objective is not their primary purpose, we will mention them in the Newsletter.
In this issue:
Australian Government Information Portal
Just a reminder that if you have not looked at the Government's information portal www.australia.gov.au for some time it may worth having a look again. It contains links to regularly updated information about a very wide range of Government services that is of potential interest to Australians and non-Australians both in Australia and overseas.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Spread the Word
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to someone you think will be interested. Clubs and other organisations receiving the Newsletter are also authorised to forward it to those on their mailing list. All we ask is that it be transmitted in full.
Should you wish to use only part of the Newsletter we ask that you acknowledge the source and include our website address.
______________________________________________________________________________
SCG Contact Information
Newsletter EditorJohn (Sid) MacGregoreditor@southern-cross-group.org
Continental EuropeAnne MacGregoranne@southern-cross-group.org
UK & IrelandEric Browneric@southern-cross-group.org
North AmericaRobyn Stephensonrobyn@southern-cross-group.org
AsiaEd Smithed@southern-cross-group.org
AustraliaJacqui Mowbrayjacqui@southern-cross-group.org
The Contact Us pages on our site list the SCG volunteer nearest you.
Go to the SCG Home Page.
No. 5 of 6 June 2008 2008
In this issue
Australian Citizenship Applications.
Submissions to Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters
UN Convention on Discrimination Against Women
Same-Sex Discrimination in Commonwealth Superannuation Schemes
Intercountry Adoption
Government Proposes Ratification of UN Disabilities Convention
Diplomatic Appointments
Current Government Reviews
A Reminder from Australia's Border Agencies
New Technology Strengthening Australia's Borders
Free Trade Agreement with Chile
First Home Saver Accounts Scheme
Passenger Movement Charge to Increase
2020 Summit - Final Report
Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretoneux
New Pre-Travel Authorization Program for US-Bound Travelers
Taxation
Web Sites of Interest.
A Message from the Editor
After recent amicable exchanges with DIAC staff in Canberra and at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC about delays in the processing of some Australian citizenship applications, we are seeking input from people who have already made citizenship applications which have not yet been decided. See the item below.
Submissions to the JSCEM parliamentary inquiry on the 2007 Australian federal election have now been posted to the Australian Parliament House website. Our thanks to the many overseas Australians who made their views known to the JSCEM. The SCG made a substantial submission on 28 May.
We hope you find the many other articles in this newsletter of interest and look forward to receiving your feedback.
Regards
John (Sid) MacGregor
Editor
Canberra and Brussels
editor@southern-cross-group.org
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Sponsorship Opportunities
Would your business like to sponsor future editions of this newsletter? Sponsorship money is essential to enable the SCG to keep serving the Australian Diaspora. The SCG is entirely volunteer-run and has no paid staff. Sponsorship and donations help offset overheads such as web-hosting fees, postage, stationery, and other sundry outlays. Contact us for further information at info@southern-cross-group.org
______________________________________________________________________________
When did you Submit your Australian Citizenship Application?
The SCG is presently working with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to try to improve Australian citizenship application processing times. A number of applicants have been concerned about long delays and we have been taking up individual cases with DIAC.
Help us to help you by letting us know immediately if you have lodged a citizenship application which has not yet been decided. In particular, if you lodged your application via the Australian Embassy in Washington, we would like to hear from you.
An e-mail to anne@southern-cross-group.org with the following details would be appreciated:
Your full name
Your address
Your date and place of birth
Whether you have applied for resumption, citizenship by descent, or by conferral
The date you sent your application or lodged it in person
Where your application was sent to or lodged in person
Details of any communication you have received from the DIAC or the post at which you lodged the application since it was sent/filed.
We will engage with the Department concerning your application to try to make sure it is decided as quickly as possible.
If for any reason an e-mail response is not possible, then please send a short note to Anne MacGregor, 17 Ave C. Gilisquet, 1030 Brussels, Belgium, or phone her on +32 474 950 131.
If you have yet to submit your Australian citizenship application, then don't forget we are here to help you. If you feel overwhelmed by the process or are stuck on a particular point, then please get in touch. Hundreds of people are now happy Australian citizens under the new Citizenship Act, and we want you to benefit as well!
If you've already had your citizenship application approved, and haven't let us know, we'd be grateful for an update from you on how it all went.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Submissions to Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters (JSCEM)
As of 6 June 2008, 159 submissions made to the JSCEM Inquiry into the 2007 Federal Election have been posted to the submissions page of the inquiry website. The Southern Cross Group's primary submission plus annexes dated 28 May 2008 is included as No. 158 and can be accessed here.
The SCG has called for amendments to the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 to solve the expat disenfranchisement problem, arguing that the High Court's 2007 reasons in the Roach case may well mean that current legislation is unconstitutional, and that in any event it is time for a re-think on the engagement of the diaspora in the Australian electoral process.
The SCG has also stressed that even if the law is not changed, the AEC must do far more to make sure that Australians going overseas and those already living overseas are properly educated on the rules on enrolment and voting that apply to them once offshore.
All feedback on the SCG's submission is welcome. E-mail your comments to info@southern-cross-group.org.
Dates for public hearings by the Committee have not yet been advised. You can keep up to date with progress in the inquiry by checking the Inquiry website.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Australia Moves Towards UN Convention on Discrimination Against Women
On 23 May 2008 the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, and the Minister for the Status of Women, Tanya Plibersek, announced that steps have begun for Australia to accede to the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
____________________________________________________________________________________
Legislation to End Same-Sex Discrimination in Commonwealth Superannuation Schemes
The Same-Sex Relationships (Equal Treatment in Commonwealth Laws - Superannuation) Bill 2008 was introduced into Parliament by the Attorney-General Robert McClelland on 28 May 2008. The Bill makes amendments so that same-sex couples are no longer denied the payment of death benefits from superannuation schemes or the tax concessions on death benefits currently made available to opposite-sex couples. The associated media release makes it clear that the Bill applies only to Commonwealth Government schemes listed in the media release. Private sector schemes are not covered by the Bill.
The text of the Bill, its explanatory memoranda, and the Minister's extensive second reading speech are available via the links on the Bills webpage.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Intercountry Adoption
On 21 May 2008 the Attorney-General, Robert McClelland, opened the inaugural meeting of the National Overseas Adoption Support Group, which was established by the Rudd Government to provide a voice for the intercountry adoption community. See the media release and his speech.
For people wanting more information about the steps being taken by the Government regarding intercountry adoption, the Attorney-General's department has launched a new comprehensive website. Note that the information relates to adoptions by Australian residents.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Government Proposes Ratification of UN Disabilities Convention
On 4 June 2008 the Government tabled in the Parliament a National Interest Analysis which proposes that Australia ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. See the media release.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Diplomatic Appointments
Poland
Ho Chi Minh City
Shanghai
The 30 May 2008 media releases from the Minister for Foreign Affairs announcing each of these appointments are to be found on his media release web page.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Current Government Reviews
We list here some of the current reviews being undertaken at the direction of Government Ministers that we are aware of. Some may have little of no direct impact on expats but if you believe that you have a contribution to make, we encourage you to do so.
Review of Patentable Subject Matter
The Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) seeks expressions of interest from individuals and organisations to take part in a review of patentable subject matter. ACIP expects to circulate an Issues Paper in July with a request for written submissions by September.
ACIP has two other reviews in hand:
Review of post-grant Patent Enforcement Strategies
Review of enforcement of Plant Breeder's Rights (PBR)
Details
Govt. Green Paper on Reform of Financial services and Credit Regulation
On 3 June 2008 the Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, Senator Nick Sherry, released a green paper which outlines a way forward for the Commonwealth and states to transfer the remaining financial services regulation from the State level. Under the plan, financial services, including mortgages, mortgage brokers, margin lending, non-bank lending and trustee companies, will move to the Federal level. Submissions on the green paper are invited and close on 1 July 2008.
See the Minister's media release and the green paper
Consultation Paper on Increasing Access to simple Superannuation Advice
The Government has released a consultation paper on increasing access to simple superannuation advice. The paper seeks comment on regulatory and other steps that could be taken to improve Australians' access to low-cost financial advice within their superannuation fund. The advice would seek to answer member queries on issues including investment choice, insurance, contribution types, nominating beneficiaries and retirement income projections. Closing date for public submissions is 15 July 2008. See the media release of 30 May 2008 and the consultation paper.
Digital Television Switchover Discussion Paper
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, has announced the release of a discussion paper covering a legislative framework for the digital television switchover. Submissions are due by 4 July 2008.
See the media release and the discussion paper.
Defence Discussion Paper and Community Consultation Program
The Minister for Defence, theJoel Fitzgibbon, has launched the Defence White Paper Community Consultation Program and released a public discussion paper 'Key Questions for Defence in the 21st Century'.
See the media release and the discussion paper.
____________________________________________________________________________________
A Reminder from Australia's Border Agencies
Australian Customs and Australian Quarantine issued a joint reminder on 22 May 2008 to persons arriving in Australia about the customs and quarantine rules applying to them.
__________________________________________________________________________________
New Technology Strengthening Australia's Borders
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced on 20 May 2008 that new technology is now in place at international airports and seaports that will help strengthen Australia's border security.
He said "In assessing whether a person is eligible to enter the country, Immigration staff have access to the passenger's travel history, travel documentation, contact information, known aliases as well as the status of any security checks."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Free Trade Agreement with Chile
Om 27 May 2008 the Minister for Trade, Simon Creen, announced that Australia has concluded a free trade agreement with Chile. Mr Crean said he expected the Agreement to be signed in late July, and to enter into force on 1 January 2009 following ratification in each country.
The Minister's statement to Parliament and the Opposition response is to be found at pages 32 to 35 of the HoR Hansard of 27 May 2008.
_________________________________________________________________________________
First Home Saver Accounts Scheme
As reported in an earlier Newsletter, the Government is introducing a First Home Saver Accounts Scheme. Three Bills to give effect to this were introduced in the Parliament on 28 May 2008 - see pages 1 to 2 of the HoR Hansard of that day.
The explanatory memoranda for two of the Bills may be found by using the links on the following web pages: FIRST HOME SAVER ACCOUNTS BILL 2008 and FIRST HOME SAVER ACCOUNTS (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) BILL 2008
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Passenger Movement Charge to Increase
As one of its Budget measures the Government has introduced a Bill into Parliament to increase the Passenger Movement Charge, applied to all deprtures from Australia, by $A9 to $A47 from 1 July 2008. The second reading speech by the Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, when introducing the Bill for the increase is to be found at pages 7 to 8 of the HoR Hansard of 28 May 2008.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2020 Summit - Final Report
The Final Report of the 2020 Summit was published on 31 May 2008. Various downloadable versions are in seval file formats. Prime Minister's media release.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Anzac Day Dawn Service at Villers-Bretoneux to be an Annual Event
The Government has committed to holding an Anzac Day dawn service at Villers-Bretonneux as an annual event.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
New Pre-Travel Authorization Program for US-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Program Countries
The US Department of Homeland Security announced on 3 June 2008 that a new Electronic System for Travel Authorities (ESTA) will commence on a voluntary basis from 1 August 2008 and from 12 January 2009 on a mandatory basis. ESTA applies to all nationals from countries in the visa waiver program which includes Australia. The new system will require travellers to receive an electronic travel authorization 3 days prior to boarding a US-bound airplane or cruise ship.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Taxation
SCG Note
All we are seeking to do in regard to taxation matters is to make you aware of some of the issues that may affect you. It is for you to do your own research and make your own decisions about the issues.
We are not qualified or competent to provide personal advice on the matters we identify, nor are we able to respond to any queries you may have.
ATO Advices
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) - Voluntary Repayments
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) update 2007-2008 income year
Foreign exchange rates to end May 2008
Withholding Arrangements for Managed Fund Distributions to Foreign Residents
In the 2008 Budget the Government announced it will introduce a final withholding regime imposing tax on fund payments from managed investment trusts to non-residents investors at a rate which will reduce to 7.5% over a three year implementation period. The measure will restrict the reduced rate to residents of countries with which Australia has effective exchange of information.
The details of the arrangements are covered in a press release issued jointly by the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs.
Two Bills were introduced into the HoR on 4 June 2008 to give effect to this change. The texts of the Bills, their explanatory memoranda, and the Minister's second reading speech are accessible through the links on the following web pages:
Tax Laws Amendment (Election Commitments No. 1) Bill 2008
Income Tax (Managed Investment Trust Transitional) Bill 2008
Medicare Levy Changes
In the Budget the Government announced that it was raising the thresholds for the Medicare levy applicable to higher income earners who do not have private health insurance. Two Bills to give effect to this were introduced into the Parliament on 27 May 2008 - see pages 45 to 46 of the HoR Hansard for that day.
Explanatory memoranda explaining the Bills may be seen by using the links on the following web pages:
TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (MEDICARE LEVY AND MEDICARE LEVY SURCHARGE) BILL 2008
TAX LAWS AMENDMENT (MEDICARE LEVY SURCHARGE THRESHOLDS) BILL 2008
TaxPack 2008
The ATO has released information about the availability of the various TaxPacks needed to lodge your 2008 income tax return, including arrangements for those overseas.
________________________________________________________________________________
Web Sites of Interest
From time to time we come across web sites that may be of interest to expats. Where appropriate, and where a commercial objective is not their primary purpose, we will mention them in the Newsletter.
In this issue:
Australian Government Information Portal
Just a reminder that if you have not looked at the Government's information portal www.australia.gov.au for some time it may worth having a look again. It contains links to regularly updated information about a very wide range of Government services that is of potential interest to Australians and non-Australians both in Australia and overseas.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Spread the Word
Please feel free to forward this e-mail to someone you think will be interested. Clubs and other organisations receiving the Newsletter are also authorised to forward it to those on their mailing list. All we ask is that it be transmitted in full.
Should you wish to use only part of the Newsletter we ask that you acknowledge the source and include our website address.
______________________________________________________________________________
SCG Contact Information
Newsletter EditorJohn (Sid) MacGregoreditor@southern-cross-group.org
Continental EuropeAnne MacGregoranne@southern-cross-group.org
UK & IrelandEric Browneric@southern-cross-group.org
North AmericaRobyn Stephensonrobyn@southern-cross-group.org
AsiaEd Smithed@southern-cross-group.org
AustraliaJacqui Mowbrayjacqui@southern-cross-group.org
The Contact Us pages on our site list the SCG volunteer nearest you.
Go to the SCG Home Page.
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