Women encouraged to speak up on tax

NFAW today called on Australian women to tell the Review into Australia's Tax System (the Henry Review) how they are affected by the current taxation system.  The Henry Review will significantly affect women, yet relatively little input has been received to date from women and women's organisations.

The final report of the Henry Review, due in December 2009, will make recommendations to the Treasurer on Australian Government and State taxes except the GST.  It will also make recommendations on the retirement income system.

Submissions are due on the Retirement Income Consultation Paper by 27 February 2009, and on the Future of Australia's Tax System Consultation Paper by 30 April.

Speaking in Canberra, Marie Coleman, Chair of the NFAW Social Policy Committee, said "Women are particularly affected by this Review.  For example, there is a notable difference between men and women's retirement incomes, which are driven by voluntary savings, compulsory savings through the Superannuation Guarantee and the Age Pension."

"Due to the fact that women spend more time in unpaid work, and also because they receive lower salaries than men when they do work, women have less capacity to make voluntary savings, or savings through superannuation.  As a result, they are likely to have lower retirement incomes than men."

"NFAW considers it important, particularly in the current economic climate, that women are well represented in the findings of the Review.  With support from the Commonwealth Office for Women and Womenspeak, we are providing information and an opportunity for comment on the NFAW website (http://nfaw.org/women-and-tax/)."

Professor Patricia Apps (of the University of Sydney) will be assisting NFAW in the preparation of submissions to the Review.  The NFAW submission will include all comments received on the website.

"If the tax system is to distribute income fairly, it is critical that women make their views heard." Ms Coleman said, "NFAW urges women to take advantage of the information provided on their website and to provide comments so that they are better represented on this important issue."

Media inquiries:  Marie Coleman 0414 483 067