The federal government has been in recess over winter but that does not mean that the Institute’s lobbying activities have been in hibernation, as the Institute has been busy pushing forward its lobbying agenda. 
 
Official Canberra office opening 
Senator the Hon Nick Sherry, Federal Minister for Superannuation and Corporate Law, officially opened the Institute’s Canberra office on Tuesday, 19 August 2008. The Minister was joined by the Institute's CEO, Graham Meyer, President Andrew Arkell and Australian Capital Territory General Manager, Renee Le Grande. The opportunity was taken to speak with the Minister on issues such as self managed superannuation funds and red tape reduction. Read more 
 
Institute involvement in Senate committee 
On Tuesday, 12 August 2008, the Institute appeared before a Senate Standing Committee on Economics, who are conducting an inquiry into the Tax Laws Amendment (2008 Measures No.4) Bill 2008. Read more. 
 
Superannuation lobbying wins 
The Institute has had considerable success in achieving improvements to the arrangements for superannuation access to temporary residents and a national rental affordability scheme. The Institute’s submissions in regards to these issues impacted on the legislation that was passed. Read more  
 
Australia’s tax system 
The government has released its paper on the architecture of Australia’s tax system and has also called for submissions by Friday, 17 October 2008. These submissions will form the basis for a Consultation Paper to be released before the end of 2008. The Institute will be making a submission by the Friday, 17 October 2008 deadline. Read more 
 
Parliament sittings 
Parliament resumed on Tuesday, 26 August 2008 and will sit for nine weeks between then and the first week in December.  
 
Relevant links:

• The Institute: official Canberra office opening
• The Institute: superannuation lobbying update
• Federal government: government tax review