Lower taxes for majority of Aussies: PM

The federal government aims to cut the amount of tax faced by the vast majority of
Australians, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says.
In a key speech delivered three days before release of the long-awaited Henry tax
review, Mr Rudd hinted he was also aiming to help small businesses and working
families.
The review, by Treasury secretary Ken Henry, is due to be published on Sunday, May
2, when financial markets will be closed.
The government is due to deliver its response on the same day.
Speaking to the NSW Business Chamber on Thursday, Mr Rudd said the review and the
2010/2011 budget, due to be delivered on May 11, presented an opportunity to usher
in a new "generation of prosperity".
"In our response to the Henry review the government will make the tax system
stronger and fairer," he told a breakfast meeting of the chamber.
"Improving the structure of the tax system by replacing inefficient taxes with more
efficient ones and streamlining governments and administrations reduces complexity
and makes the Australian economy more productive.
"Australia needs to respond, to remain an attractive place to invest and to do
business.
"That's the reason the government's aspiration is to reduce the level of tax faced
by the vast majority of Australians."
Mr Rudd said the tax system should be fair, particularly for small business and
working families.
"In the next two weeks the government will release its tax policy and budget
package," he added.
"These events are an opportunity to capitalise on Australia's success through the
global recession.
"If we make the right decisions we will convert our strong economic position into a
new generation of prosperity."