Pm's Statement Will Carry Cuts, Reforms
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday February 6, 1991
CANBERRA: Cabinet yesterday began sorting through more than 100 ministerial proposals for inclusion in the Prime Minister's March 12 industry statement.
The proposals ranged from local government reforms, measures designed to give miners and foresters secure access to raw materials, plans to speed up waterfront reform, and changes to the way the Government buys its information technology.
Sources indicated that the major elements of Mr Hawke's statement have already been agreed on by Mr Hawke, the Industry Minister, Senator Button, and the Treasurer, Mr Keating.
These include modernisation of the depreciation schedules, sales tax reforms to stop discrimination against exporters, a cut in assistance to the car manufacturers and sharp tariff reductions.
Mr Keating indicated yesterday he did not favour accelerated depreciation arrangements - nor was he enthusiastic about more assistance to exporters.
He noted that trade figures showed a 13 per cent increase in manufactured exports over the six months to December compared with last financial year.
© 1991 Sydney Morning Herald