Since the Treasurer announced a review into Australia's Future Tax System on 13 May 2008, the Institute has been actively involved in consultations, seminars and submissions to the Review panel on ways to improve the country's tax system. 
 
On Thursday, 18 June and Friday, 19 June 2009 the Review Panel will hold the latest event in the timeline for the overarching review (dubbed the 'Henry Review' after Treasury Secretary Dr Ken Henry, who is chairing the review). 
 
Members will recall that the Henry Review's mandate is to examine Australia's current tax system with the objective of putting forward recommendations to the government that will improve Australia's competitiveness in the global economy. The review encompasses federal and state government taxes, except the GST, and interactions with the federal transfer system. 
 
'In the last few months we have heard from the Review panel that the current economic climate will not in any way impede the scope or direction of the current Review, and that all options are on the table, which is encouraging,' said the Institute's Tax Counsel, Yasser El-Ansary. 
 
To date, the Institute has made two submissions to the Review panel focused on a long-term tax policy reform agenda designed to help make Australia a more prosperous economy in the future.  
 
The Institute will report back to members following the Melbourne conference next week, and will continue to further the tax policy debate before the Review panel hands down its report to government in December. 
 
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Relevant links: 

• The Institute: Australia's Future Tax System
 

• The Institute: Henry Review second submission
 

• The Treasury: Australia's Future Tax System website