Our latest insights

Across the country, we are seeing a growing trend for shareholder oppression proceedings due to mechanism being used to expediate a deal between disputing shareholders. But how do you value a minority interest held by a shareholder when they have instigated such proceedings? We look at a recent judgment which provides further clarification for valuers in these growing scenarios.

In most cases, some level of assumptions have to be made when developing an expert witness or forensic accounting report. But there are some rules around what assumptions the Courts will accept as part of your findings. From instructed assumptions and assumptions made by the expert and testing their reliability, we explore assumptions in the context of your Expert Witness reports.

The use of third party information is a reality of building an expert witness report. Compiling our areas of expertise with that of others can elevate findings and create a well-rounded, comprehensive report. But not all sources of information are created equal – and the Courts have strict requirements for what third party information is acceptable and what isn’t. In this article we look at the growing trend for an expert’s reliance on third party sources and the perception by the Court.

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has announced its strategic priorities for 2022-23 including where audit and enforcement activities will be undertaken in relation to wage underpayments.

Hearing the words ‘Division 7A’ is often accompanied with a twinge of anxiety – and for good reason. This area of tax legislation is incredibly complex, and for family businesses, Division 7A can be a particularly difficult concept to navigate.

If your SME is facing a compulsory land acquisition, a forensic accountant may be able to help with strategic advice and specialist analysis

While much of the country is now open, businesses are still navigating the impact of COVID-19 – largely without the assistance of State and Federal Government pandemic-focused support. Therefore, insolvency is an unfortunate and potential reality for many.

Deceased estates are often a complex situation to navigate, especially when the death of the individual was unexpected, leaving behind issues which can lead to spouses, siblings, extended family, friends and business partners entering into a dispute over the assets to be distributed.

With so much media coverage and laws focused on paying your people correctly, businesses today are more aware about the potential to have payroll issues.

In our podcast, Alex Bell, partner and National Head of Forensics at Grant Thornton, unpacks the complexities behind payroll and awards, the unexpected ramifications of getting it wrong, and what companies can do to protect themselves.

COVID-19 has cast uncertainty around the value of an earn-out where the business’ financial performance is being impacted by current abnormal trading conditions, either adversely or favorably.

From 1 July 2016 it is presumed that the vendor of real property is a non-resident and the purchaser will be obliged to withhold 10% of the proceeds, register for withholding tax (WHT) and pay it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)unless a Clearance Certificate has been obtained prior to settlement.