You have 0 free articles left this month.
Register for a free account to access unlimited free content.
Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
accountants daily logo

Government seeks fresh input ahead of October budget

Business

The government has now extended the deadline for pre-budget submissions ahead of its deferred October budget.

By Jotham Lian 11 minute read

With this year’s federal budget now deferred to 6 October in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the government has now called for fresh pre-budget submissions up to 24 August.

Over 400 submissions were made to the government ahead of the announcement to delay the May budget to October.

Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said previously lodged submissions would still be recognised as part of the 2020–21 pre-budget submission process, but he called on further submissions to shape its post-COVID response.

“The 2020–21 budget will outline the Morrison government’s plan for recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, focused on growing the economy and creating jobs for Australians,” Mr Sukkar said.

“The government is seeking further submissions from individuals, businesses and community groups on their priorities for the 2020–21 budget.”

Meaningful tax reform

==
==

The Tax Institute’s director of tax policy and technical, Andrew Mills, has urged the government to use the upcoming October budget to implement “once-in-a-century changes” to the tax system.

“We hope the October 6 budget will not be a missed opportunity for tax reform, or to make permanent certain measures, such as the instant asset write-off,” Mr Mills said.

“We must not make the mistake of putting a band-aid on a terminally ill patient. Prolonging what are essentially emergency measures won’t make up for a lack of meaningful tax reform.

“The silver lining of a once-in-a-century pandemic may be that it presents an opportunity to make once-in-a-century changes to our tax system.”  

Last week, the government revealed an $85.8 billion deficit in 2019–20 and a $184.5 billion deficit in 2020–21 as part of its economic and fiscal update, although no new tax measures were announced.

It also announced it would extend JobKeeper for a further six months, with tighter eligibility criteria and a two-tiered payment rate for full-time and part-time workers.

Jotham Lian

Jotham Lian

AUTHOR

Jotham Lian is the editor of Accountants Daily, the leading source of breaking news, analysis and insight for Australian accounting professionals.

Before joining the team in 2017, Jotham wrote for a range of national mastheads including the Sydney Morning Herald, and Channel NewsAsia.

You can email Jotham at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

You are not authorised to post comments.

Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.

accountants daily logo Newsletter

Receive breaking news directly to your inbox each day.

SUBSCRIBE NOW