TRANSCRIPT
of
THE HON PETER COSTELLO MP
Treasurer

Doorstop
Canberra
Monday, 22 April 2002
Approx 9.45am

E&OE

SUBJECTS: Medi-Save levy

JOURNALIST:

What do you think about this 3 per cent Medi-Save plan?

TREASURER:

Never heard of it.

JOURNALIST:

Never heard of it?

TREASURER:

No, never heard of it.

JOURNALIST:

Kevin Andrews says he will be putting it to Cabinet by the end of the year,

3 per cent levy on workers pay packets.

TREASURER:

No. There will not be any 3 per cent levy on any employees or anybody.

JOURNALIST:

So, this is a non-event?

TREASURER:

As far as I know, yes.

JOURNALIST:

And is that, thats, what, I mean, its been floated as an idea, how can you

say…

TREASURER:

No, I think, no, I think, I think probably the press had a bit of fun with

it but I can assure you there is no plan to have a 3 per cent tax on anybody,

none whatsoever.

JOURNALIST:

Ruled out absolutely?

TREASURER:

Ruled out. It will not be happening and I think, probably, one of the newspapers

is having a bit of fun today, so thanks.