57388907
submission
elphie007 writes:
An investigation by The Australian Financial Review has discovered how from 2002 to 2013, Apple has shifted approximately $AU8.9 billion of revenue generated in Australia to Ireland, via Singapore. The article states that last year alone, Apple Australia paid only $AU88.5 million in tax, or 0.044% of estimated potential tax liabilities. What's more, the Australian Tax Office has agreed that this arrangement is kosher under Australian law. I think I need a new accountant.
49070851
submission
elphie007 writes:
Fourteen months after the Australian Parliament announced an inquiry into the disparity between IT pricing for Australian consumers, the Committee's final report has been published. The report highlights the importance of IT in Australia, and that Australian consumers are frequently shafted in an uncomfortable manner when it comes to purchasing IT goods and services. With recommendations ranging from the removal of parallel importation restrictions to the possible banning of geo-blocking services, could this mean the end of US bound Adobe shopping trips and the beginning of pricing equality for Australian IT consumers? More reports/analysis is available here and here.
32366443
submission
elphie007 writes:
Australian consumers may finally see the end of being overcharged for software, simply because they live outside the US. Minister for Communications Senator Stephen Conroy (champion of Australia's National Broadband Network), is reported to be finalising the terms of reference for a parliamentary inquiry into software pricing in Australia. Users Down Under have been paying more for software from companies like Microsoft, Apple and Adobe for years. Last week, Adobe announced Australians would be charges up to $1600 more for Adobe CS6. With the ongoing strength of the Aussie dollar against the US dollar, Australians should really be paying less, not more for software & music purchased online.
