23 May 2013
Ford announcement not the Death-Knell for the Local Industry
While Ford’s decision to cease vehicle production in Australia from October 2016 is undoubtedly a set-back for the Australian automotive industry, leading accounting and advisory firm Grant Thornton argues it should not be seen as ushering in the end of the automotive industry in this country.

14 May 2013
Infrastructure spend to keep pace with population growth in major cities
The announcement that the Government has committed $24 billion to urban road and rail infrastructure spending is welcomed by the real estate and construction industry.

14 May 2013
Measures to encourage exploration critical, yet absent
Legislative change to the deductibility of exploration expenditure was widely expected in this year’s Budget.

14 May 2013 
MBS indexation freeze set to transfer costs to patients 
The Government announced that indexation of the Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS) fees, usually applied in November of each year will not be applied until 1 July 2014. 

14 May 2013
Not-for-Profit:  Status quo for now, but for how long?
The not-for-profit (NFP) industry has been on high alert awaiting the outcomes from the Treasury appointed NFP Tax Concession Working Group.

14 May 2013 
Federal Budget does little to encourage investment in Australia's digital economy 
The announcements made by the Government do not support the ICT sector or the investment in ICT that is required to drive Australian productivity and competitiveness.

14 May 2013
Budget shuns retail sector
The disconnect between consumer confidence and the economic fundamentals continues and is unlikely to be improved by the 2013 Budget.

14 May 2013 
Education funding alone will not improve school performance
The Government will inject $9.4 billion into our national school system over six years.

14 May 2013
Funding costs to rise for overseas investment
The Government's announcement that it will stop tax deductions for interest costs on overseas investments further erodes funding options

14 May 2013
Thin capitalisation changes to stifle business investment
The reduced safe harbor rules will not be welcomed by foreign companies investing in Australia, or Australian companies conducting business with the Australian subsidiaries of those foreign companies.

14 May 2013
Fair Work Commission to address bullying complaints
The Government announced an additional $21.4m to provide workers with a quick and effective way to resolve and prevent bullying in the workplace.

14 May 2013
CGT 10% non-withholding tax another disincentive for foreign investors
The introduction of the non-final withholding regime will not be welcomed by foreign companies and foreign investors.

14 May 2013
Research and development: The give and the take
The lead up to the budget saw the release of two exposure draft for comment and consultation.

14 May 201
Continued uncertainty for Australian businesses going offshore
The much delayed reforms to Australia's Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) regime have yet again been deferred.

14 May 2013
Has the Budget killed Australia's competitiveness in the Asian Century
Compounding pressure on the tax burden falling to executives and business leaders will further exacerbate the war for talent in Asia.

14 May 2013
Government fails to commit to real reform for future Australians
The Government has failed to grasp the opportunity to show a genuine commitment to real economic reform needed to underpin long-term economic prosperity.

14 May 2013
Government fails to address SME's basic wish list
The Government has failed to address SME's basic wish for tax to be certain, simplified and compliance to be reduced yet again.

14 May 2013
Public Sector to be hit hard by Budget shortfall
The Australian public expect to see greater fiscal responsibility and efficiency within the state and federal public sector concerning the delivery of essential public services.

14 May 2013
How might the Federal Budget impact the Not-For-Profit sector?
The NFP sector is on alert waiting for the Government's response to the NFP Sector Tax Concession Working Group's report.

14 May 2013
'Out of favour' sectors should be reconsidered
Grant Thornton Manufacturing Lead Matt Byrnes argues it may be time for a shift in mindset regarding the role of out-of-favour sectors such as manufacturing in filling the growth and revenue gap.