“The Business Council of Australia welcomes Treasurer Joe Hockey’s comprehensive assessment of the imperative and the scope for tax reform,” BCA Chief Executive Jennifer Westacott said. 

“By highlighting that the current system is not fit-for-purpose for the challenges facing Australia now and into the future, the speech will reinvigorate discussion around tax reform and the importance of the tax reform white paper process.

“A successful outcome will require keeping all options on the table. It will also require a level of bipartisanship we have not seen for a long time, and for state and territory governments to sign up to achieving the optimal tax system for the country while making their own tax arrangements more competitive. 

“It is encouraging to see South Australia and the ACT getting on with the job.”

Ms Westacott said that the need for reforms to our federation and tax systems should be on the minds of state and federal leaders as they prepare for next week’s leaders’ retreat.

“The Treasurer has set the country on the path of tax reform through the white paper process, and today’s address sharpens our focus on the direction we need to take,” Ms Westacott said.

For further information contact:
Scott Thompson, Director, Media and Public Affairs
Business Council of Australia
Telephone (03) 8664 2664 • Mobile 0403 241 128