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With less than one week to go until Labor hands down its first Federal Budget, it will be interesting to see what the Government will do to help set up the future of Australia. Our economy – like many others around the world – is still experiencing supply chain pressures, and with a potential global recession looming, there are some steps the Government could take to ensure Australia’s economic strength over the long term.

With rising supply chain costs and disruptions on a global scale as a result of the pandemic, Australia has been a prime example of resilience by increasing reliance on domestic products to minimise shortages. Although we’ve increased the supply of Australian products, some organisations struggle to compete with global sellers. As supply chains slowly ease back into a pre-pandemic rhythm and import capabilities open back up to their full potential, to compete on a global scale more efficiently, this creates an opportunity to consider where trade policies via tariffs and quotas could be applied to even out the playing field.

As a result of COVID-19, international supply chain issues are now affecting businesses across all industries on a scale not seen in the last 50 years.

The compliance requirements for disclosure of transfer pricing adjustments – which need to be supported by Valuation Advice rulings or registration in the Provisional Value Scheme as above – are highly technical.

Supply chain pressures are not unique to multinational enterprises (MNEs). But when combined with trade protectionism measures, evolving international tax policies, and technological disruption, the current global pandemic has created the perfect storm. The COVID-19 crisis has had an unprecedented impact on international supply chains – from delays in production and logistics, through to loss of confidence in global networks, supply chains have been well and truly tested.

In response to an increase of importers submitting transfer pricing Voluntary Disclosure requests without first applying to the Australian Border Force (ABF) Valuations team for variation amendments, the ABF has reconfirmed their processes.

It's estimated that around 30% of cross border trade is conducted via companies who are accredited in the Australian Trusted Trader program. The Government intends to increase this to 75% by 2025. Learn more the benefits of accreditation.

The ATO has recently announced they are reviewing a number of activities that involve alcohol entering the Australian domestic market for consumption without payment of the required amount of excise duty.

The Government has a 10 year plan to implement the Modern Manufacturing Initiative and develop our manufacturing capability.