QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:30): I thank Senator Scarr for the question. I have a great deal of respect for that senator, but I would disagree; I thought I answered it—in relation to Senator Smith's question. I'm not sure I do have anything further to add, but I will just reiterate what I have been advised.

First, the government has made amendments to ensure deductible gifts and donations reduce capital gains that are subject to the minimum tax, to maintain tax incentives in relation to charitable giving. I think I mentioned in response to Senator Smith that the budget papers did make clear that minimum tax would not apply to charitable trusts. I also made clear that DGR status would continue to be tax deductible for discretionary trusts.

I think I also said that we are consulting on a range of implementation details around the minimum tax on trusts, and that includes the appropriate arrangements for donations, distributions to charities and other tax exempt entities. I'm not sure there's anything further I can give you on that, because this is subject to the consultation process that I referenced when I responded to Senator Smith.

But, as always, if you would like me to see if there's anything further I can add, I would be happy to do so. The PRESIDENT: Senator Scarr, first supplementary?