Our latest insights

Energy is critical to achieve our vision for modern manufacturing and a future digital economy. Both will be energy intensive. At the same time, Australia aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. We are reaching a critical point where a solution to affordable, sustainable and clean energy generation must be found or all the best laid plans will come to nought. What’s in the Federal Budget 2021-22 for the sector?

The 2021-2022 Federal Budget provided additional funding for the Health & Aged sector, however there are longer term issues that are yet to be fully resolved. So what’s on offer, and what do we need going forward to ensure quality and safe care for all Australians.

The resources sector is an Australian workhorse. Past booms have propelled the country forward into prosperity. It’s provided a buffer during downturns. It has cushioned the COVID blow on our national accounts. And it has a vital role to play in Australia’s economic future as part of the evolving demand for global resources. What’s in the Federal Budget 2021-22 for the sector?

In a measure designed to help first time home buyers to save a deposit more quickly, the Government will increase the maximum releasable amount of voluntary concessional (deductible) and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions under the existing First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) from $30,000 to $50,000.

The Government today announced significant changes to Australian Tax residency rules aimed at providing certainty and simplification for businesses and their employees as Australian borders begin to start re-opening to the world.

The proposed changes to both the tax treatment and regulatory framework of employee share schemes (‘ESS’) in Australia should be welcomed by employers and employees with tax–deferred ESS Plans.

Last week the Federal Government announced $225m in tax relief to small breweries and distillers as part of the 2021-22 Federal Budget.

The Australian Government announced it will invest an additional $100 million into extending the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive (JMEI) over the next four years, to the end of June 2025.

Australian retail sales grew 2.3% against the last year in March 2021, with several media reports highlighting the softening of retail demand. But the March headline growth number is misleading, given the 10% surge in March 2020 as panic buying took hold.

Beneath the surface, there is agility within our higher education institutions which we need to enhance and work to our advantage in a post-COVID world.

In our latest podcast, Tony Pititto, National Head of Agribusiness, Food & Beverage at Grant Thornton and Madina Aziz, Audit Partner discuss the opportunities for the sector through the Modern Manufacturing Initiative and what we need next from Government to help Australia target non-traditional export markets.

There has been an ongoing debate amongst those of us who practice in stamp duty as to how duty should appropriately apply to tenant’s fixtures, particularly in the context of renewable energy projects.