NO.067

Outlined below is a comparison of the revenue estimates for the ‘integrity’

and ‘deferred’ measures outlined in the Government’s announcement of 21

September and the estimate of the equivalent items in the Ralph Report.

The differences between the revenue estimates in Ralph and those in the

Government’s announcement stem from different dates when measures commence. In

particular, the difference in 2000/2001 mainly arise from the Government’s decision

to tighten the 13-month ‘prepayment’ rule as from the date of announcement

compared with the Ralph recommendation that this should start from 1 July 2000. The

differences in the other years mainly reflect timing changes associated with the deferred

measures, particularly international measures.

When the Government released the Report on 21 September it offered the Democrats a full

briefing on costings. The offer has been repeated on a number of occasions and when it is

conducted it will avoid any further misunderstanding.

CANBERRA

13 October 1999