Portfolio Media Releases

STATEMENT FROM THE HON JOE HOCKEY MP

21st December 2009

Last week I wrote to the Treasurer requesting that a copy of the Henry Review into taxation be made available to the Opposition at the same time the report is delivered to the government.

Reform of the tax system has the potential to affect all Australians.  It is in the national interest for there to be a considered public debate regarding proposals arising from the Henry Review.

In order for the Opposition to have adequate time to prepare a considered and detailed response to the Henry Review, we must have access to the full report and any supplementary materials as soon as they are made available to the government.

A copy of the letter to the Treasurer is below.

The Hon Wayne Swan MP

Treasurer

Parliament House

Canberra ACT 2600

Dear Treasurer

I write to request that you make available to the Opposition the complete Henry review into taxation at the time that you receive the report.

I understand from your public comments that the report is likely to be delivered to you by the end of this year. You have previously indicated that the review, and the government’s response, would be released to the public around March 2010.

If there is to be a considered public debate in time for the upcoming federal election, then it is in the public interest to allow the Opposition the opportunity to prepare its own response to the review in a considered and timely fashion. In order for us to do so, we must have access to the full report and any supplementary materials as soon as they are made available to the government.

We do not believe there are cogent reasons for keeping the review from the public whilst the government considers its response.

I would appreciate your urgent consideration of the Opposition’s request.

Yours sincerely

Joe Hockey MP