Tax Policy Journal

The Tax Policy Journal was established to publicise the results of research into many aspects of taxation in Australia, and the main initiator of this research is the Taxpayers Research Foundation (TRFL). TRFL was founded in 1996 and in 1998 all necessary approvals to become a recognised and approved research organisation was received.

In this capacity, TRFL has the approvals of Government as:

• an approved research institute

• a deductible gifts recipient

• an income tax exempt charity

• an initiator of research.

TRFL's Research Committee, all of whose members have been approved by the appropriate departments of the Australian Government, commissions research.

It is in Australia's interest for its policy makers to continue their efforts to provide our nation's taxpayers with a better taxation system, to challenge the status quo and, where appropriate, defend the current system. Global influences require an ongoing evaluation of the equity and efficiency of the existing system. A continuous and rigorous debate of the strengths and weaknesses of the taxation system in Australia is an integral part of such an evaluation.

Over the years, many interesting and stimulating articles on issues that impact on the quality of life for most Australians have been included in Tax Policy Journals.

The Foundation continues to advocate the need to broaden participation in the taxation debate. This journal is an initiative of this Foundation to ensure that the effects of the burden of taxation policies on Australian taxpayers are fully considered.

In recent times the Australian Government has:

• received the Henry Review into Australia's future tax system and responded to some of its recommendations;
• received the Review of Australia's Superannuation System;
• convened a Tax Summit; and
• introduced Carbon Tax and Mining Tax legislation.

In this year's TPJ, the article 'Compendium of taxes in Australia's federal system of government' outlines the existing revenue sources of the various governments. The other articles canvas some of the issues of significance that governments in Australia need to address from a policy perspective.
All Australian taxpayers should contribute in a positive and constructive way to the review process of the Australian taxation system. They should also ensure that the implementation of changes and reforms are of benefit to all Australian taxpayers.