Our audit team undertakes the complete range of audits required of Australian accounting laws to help you to help you meet obligations or fulfil best practice procedures.
There continues to be a spotlight on trust and integrity within the professional services industry. From our perspective, these have always been critical considerations.
We help clients understand and address their employment tax obligations to ensure compliance and optimal tax positioning for their business and employees.
Following on from our previous alert, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has finalised Practice Statement PS LA 2025/2, which sets out their administrative approach to the Commissioner’s discretion for granting an exemption from Public Country-by-Country reporting obligations. These rules require certain multinational groups to publicly disclose tax and financial information.
We provide independent oversight and review of your organisation's control environments to manage key risks, inform good decision-making and improve performance.
We enable our clients to achieve their strategic objectives, fulfil their purpose and live their values supported by effective and appropriate risk management.
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
Our forensics team identifies and obtains relevant information, investigates the financial issue at hand and provides a clear, concise, sustainable opinion as...
Our team advises at all stages of a litigation dispute, taking an independent view while gathering and reviewing evidence and contributing to expert reports.
Our M&A team works with clients to achieve a full or partial sale of their business, to ensure achievement of strategic ambitions and optimal outcomes for stakeholders.
Our operational deal services team helps to ensure the greatest possible outcome and value is gained through post merger integration or post acquisition integration.
Our ESG due diligence process evaluates a company's environmental, social, and governance factors during the pre-investment phase to determine the overall maturity of the entity, manage potential risks, and identify opportunities.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
Our finance and funding team works to access sources of finance, present your case to potential funders and negotiate a long-term sustainable relationship.
We provide effective and strategic corporate finance services across all stages of investments and transactions so clients can better manage costs and maximise returns.
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.
Our proven methodology identifies opportunities to improve your processes and optimise working capital, and we work with to implement changes and monitor their effectiveness.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
Our insolvency teams takes a proactive approach so our clients have access to more business turnaround options and retain the most value for all stakeholders.
As this year’s series kicks off in late 2025, continuing through to June 2026, we will bring you virtual on-demand webinars featuring guest speakers, legal and industry experts, and Grant Thornton specialists sharing insights and expectations for the year ahead.
We help clients improve commercial performance, profitability and address challenges after internal or external triggers require a major business model shift.
We provide strategic director advisory services in times of business distress to help directors navigate issues and protect their company and themselves from liability.
We work closely with clients and lenders to provide holistic debt advisory services so you can raise or manage existing debt to meet your strategic goals.
The Full Federal Court has handed down its decision in AusNet Services Limited v Commissioner of Taxation. AusNet argued that its 2015 restructure did not qualify for rollover relief under Division 615, despite that it earlier said it did. This case serves as a reminder that once a tax election is made, it is very difficult to unwind. Careful planning and forecasting are critical.
We work with private businesses across Australia – and internationals looking to Australia for their investments and operations – on all accounting and...
Our outsourced CFO services provide a full suite of CFO, tax and finance services and advice to help clients manage risk, optimise operations and grow.
Having a considered and informed ESG response has never been more important for all organisations as we are seeing awareness of the elements of ESG continue to...
Following the introduction of mandatory sustainability reporting requirements in Australia, organisations will need to understand if they are required to report, the disclosure requirements, and if they have the skill set and available data to comply. We can guide organisations through the reporting process end-to-end, from climate-related risks and opportunities identification through to reporting support.
With the ESG and sustainability landscape continuing to evolve, we are focused on helping your business to understand how to shape your sustainability strategy. When designing a sustainability strategy, it’s important to take into consideration your sustainability-related risks and opportunities, relevant standards and frameworks such as the SBTi, and your broader business needs.
The sustainability reporting regulations which have come into force in Australia include assurance requirements which are being phased in over several years. Australia is also the first jurisdiction internationally to adopt the new assurance standard. Whether you are seeking voluntary assurance or meeting your compliance obligations, our sustainability assurance team combines technical expertise and industry insights to provide quality and efficiency in the assurance process.
As ESG and Sustainability-related considerations are becoming pivotal for Australian dealmakers, it is important for investors to feel confident in assessing transactions through an ESG lens. The due diligence process evaluates a company's material environmental, social, and governance topics during the pre-investment phase, flagging risks and identifying opportunities for added value.
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
Investment and business opportunities in Vietnam are expanding rapidly, driven by new markets, diverse industries, and Vietnam's growing role in export manufacturing, foreign investment, and strong domestic demand.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, Management Consulting Partner, Richard Bycroft, and Director, Primo Danieletto, discuss automation in supply chains, triggers for reviewing an organisation’s current model and the ROI businesses can see from implementation.
The Federal Court decision in Morton v Commissioner of Taxation [2025] FCA 336 (“the Morton case”) provides key guidance on the tax treatment of proceeds derived from land development arrangements. This is particularly relevant to landowners considering development partnerships with third-party developers.
The ATO’s GSTD 2025/1 clarifies the GST treatment of prepared meals following the Simplot case. Learn how the new four-step test and transitional compliance approach affect food suppliers.
For wine producers and vineyard owners, the recent New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision in Zonadi Holdings Pty Ltd ATF Wombat Investment Trust v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2025] NSWCATAD 84 may spell trouble for their current primary production land tax exemptions.
From an active natural resources M&A market, a growing energy and renewable energy market, to new technologies and export and trade agreements – we have the...
Mining contractors are operating in an increasingly complex and competitive Australian mining sector. With shifting commodity markets, cost pressures, and evolving contract models, understanding contractor performance, financial strength, and growth opportunities is more important than ever.
As of April 9, 2025, a minimum universal tariff of 10 per cent has been applied to all imported goods into the United States, while certain countries face higher reciprocal tariffs based on their US trade deficit.
The Australian Parliament recently passed legislation to introduce two significant tax incentives aimed at bolstering Australia’s critical minerals and hydrogen production sectors.
The incentives form a significant part of the Government’s ’Future Made in Australia‘ policy.
If government grants are part of your 2025 strategy, take note of the available quarter one funding opportunities. With increasing inflationary pressures, government grants can be an essential alternative funding source for businesses with critical investment projects.
The Full Federal Court has handed down its decision in AusNet Services Limited v Commissioner of Taxation. AusNet argued that its 2015 restructure did not qualify for rollover relief under Division 615, despite that it earlier said it did. This case serves as a reminder that once a tax election is made, it is very difficult to unwind. Careful planning and forecasting are critical.
Australia’s new thin capitalisation rules significantly impact businesses with foreign ownership or offshore operations. If your business has debt deductions (such as interest deductions and borrowing costs) of more than A$2m, tax deductions could be denied under the primary ‘earnings tests’ (particularly if your EBITDA is low or negative due to early-stage losses, especially common in sectors like infrastructure and technology).
To manage the above risk, the legislation offers an alternative test: the Third Party Debt Test (TPDT).
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
In June this year, APRA published its eight proposed changes to its governance prudential standards. We have summarised APRA’s updated/clarified position and provided guidance on some steps that boards should be doing to prepare for the revised standards.
The Aged Care Act 2024 has been in place for a month. Touted as a ‘once in a generation change’ to improve protections for consumers, it also seeks to stimulate investment in residential care services and improve care in the home with the new Support at Home Program.
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
The health and aged care industry in Australia is complex and there are a range of challenges and opportunities for the banking sector which can be explored in relation to its various sub-sectors.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, Management Consulting Partner, Richard Bycroft, and Director, Primo Danieletto, discuss automation in supply chains, triggers for reviewing an organisation’s current model and the ROI businesses can see from implementation.
Discover how Australian manufacturers are responding to slower growth, rising costs and tighter margins in our 2025 Manufacturing Benchmarks report, with insights on performance, reinvestment and capability-building.
Against a backdrop of rising cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty, Not for Profits (NFPs) are facing increasingly complex challenges to maintain financial sustainability. With public expectations rising, funding pathways under strain, and operational costs climbing, many organisations are being forced to reassess how they operate. While the pressures are real, this also creates an opportunity to rethink collaboration, strengthen governance and build long-term resilience.
Australian charities are feeling the pinch of rising costs and increased demand as over 3.3m people live in poverty. From streamlining operations to diversifying funding streams and using technology like AI, leaders are finding ways to meet rising demand and stay resilient in today’s cost-of-living crisis.
Yalari is a not-for-profit organisation offering secondary education scholarships to Australian schools for First Nations students. The organisation champions the value of education and nurtures an encouraging community for students to thrive in their studies.
The Full Federal Court has handed down its decision in AusNet Services Limited v Commissioner of Taxation. AusNet argued that its 2015 restructure did not qualify for rollover relief under Division 615, despite that it earlier said it did. This case serves as a reminder that once a tax election is made, it is very difficult to unwind. Careful planning and forecasting are critical.
Australia’s new thin capitalisation rules significantly impact businesses with foreign ownership or offshore operations. If your business has debt deductions (such as interest deductions and borrowing costs) of more than A$2m, tax deductions could be denied under the primary ‘earnings tests’ (particularly if your EBITDA is low or negative due to early-stage losses, especially common in sectors like infrastructure and technology).
To manage the above risk, the legislation offers an alternative test: the Third Party Debt Test (TPDT).
Australia has commenced reforming its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) regime including the ‘Tranche 2’ reforms, which expand AML/CTF compliance to apply to additional professions including lawyers.
In this episode, Risk Consulting Partners and AML/CTF experts Neil Jeans and Katherine Shamai discuss the implications of the new AML/CTF Amendment Act, AUSTRAC’s expanded authority to investigate organisations, and the important questions Board should be asking management teams when it comes to the new reforms.
Recent findings from the Family Business Report 2025 reveal that cash-flow management and economic uncertainty are the most pressing concerns for businesses in the construction and real estate sectors.
A global perspective on evolving real estate and construction markets, focusing on housing affordability, emerging asset classes, and sustainability. Gain insights from Grant Thornton’s experts across Australia and the UK help leaders navigate uncertainty and adapt investment strategies.
From 2026, Victoria’s VRLT will apply to long-term undeveloped land in metro Melbourne, targeting land banking and encouraging residential development. The expansion follows 2025 reforms aimed at improving housing affordability and supply.
Australia has commenced reforming its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) regime including the ‘Tranche 2’ reforms, which expand AML/CTF compliance to apply to additional professions including real estate agents and conveyancers.
In this episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, Management Consulting Partner, Richard Bycroft, and Director, Primo Danieletto, discuss automation in supply chains, triggers for reviewing an organisation’s current model and the ROI businesses can see from implementation.
Australian consumers are demanding more from retailers – better value, faster service, and consistently high quality. Discover what drives Australian retail and how to meet rising expectations.
The Federal Court’s $5.8M ACL decision signals a new era for privacy, cybersecurity, and governance in Australia. It reinforces that privacy and cyber obligations start Day 1 of any acquisition, governance failures will be scrutinised, and accountability cannot be outsourced. Boards must ensure robust oversight, deep cyber due diligence, and forensic incident response. With OAIC escalating regulatory enforcement, organisations face heightened legal, financial, and reputational risks.
In this episode, National Head of Corporate Finance & M&A Partner Holly Stiles and National Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications and Private Business Tax & Advisory Partner Jace Gawne-Buckland discuss the current technology landscape in Australia, evolving expectations of investors, and tangible steps tech leaders can take to strengthen their position for future raises or exits.
Explore strategies for scaling in Australia’s tech and SaaS sector in this report, covering capital raising, investor expectations, and long-term growth.
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2025 marked major progress in sustainability reporting in Australia, including the launch of the Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, new greenwashing enforcement, and amendments to AASB S2 and AUASB assurance standards.
Regulatory and legislative changes accelerated, with ASIC guidance, Treasury consultations, and the first mandatory climate-related disclosures for Group 1 entities shaping the reporting landscape.
Looking ahead to 2026, expect the first Group 1 sustainability reports from February – April, ASIC’s observations mid-year, and continued support from AASB and AUASB through guidance and education.
It has been a big year for sustainability reporting and assurance. While unsurprisingly there was significant focus on the first period of mandatory climate-related disclosures, 2025 also brought a range of notable sustainability developments in Australia.
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These included launching the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, new enforcement against greenwashing, and a number of amendments to both AASB S2 and the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s (AUASB) new sustainability assurance standards.
Internationally, nature & biodiversity risks also continued to grow in prominence, resulting in the International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) stated intention to release a new nature-related standard by October 2026. As this year draws to a close, we reflect on the timeline of key reforms and consultations we have seen over the months.
1 January marked the start of the first mandatory reporting period for Group 1 entities with 31 December financial year end.
The AUASB issued ASSA 5010 and ASSA 5000, completing the necessary assurance standards dictating the phasing and standards for assurance of sustainability reports.
The Government exposed draft legislation for an amendment to the Corporations Act to extend the modified director liability provisions to voluntary sustainability reports.
In Europe, the introduction of the EU Omnibus Simplification Package created significant business uncertainty and political discussion as to the future of sustainability reporting in the EU.
Active Super was fined $10.5M penalty in a Federal Court ruling for greenwashing claims made in relation to its investment screening.
The AUASB proposed amendments to ASSA 5000 to address practical matters for the implementation of new independence standards for sustainability assurance.
Australia’s Federal election resulted in a landslide victory for the Labour Party, and as a result, increased business certainty over Government policy in relation to climate change and the energy transition.
The AASB launched the AASB S2 Implementation Advisory Panel.
The IFRS Foundation released snapshots of the 33 jurisdictions globally that have already, or were in the process of considering adopting ISSB aligned sustainability reporting standards.
The AUASB contemplated further amendments to ASSA 5010 and ASSA 5000.
The ISSB published an exposure draft amending the SASB standards for 9 specific industry and associated consequential amendments to the Industry-based Guidance on Implementing IFRS S2.
ASIC released its first Reporting and Audit Update, including useful guidance on the regulator’s observations from voluntary climate-related financial disclosures and information about its approach to sustainability reporting relief.
The Government introduced the Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Financial Systems and Other Measures) Bill 2025 into Parliament to extend the modified director liability provisions to voluntary sustainability reports.
The AUASB opened consultation on amendments to ASSA 5010, reflecting clarifications about assurance in relation to the Directors’ report and specifying phasing of assurance for voluntary reports.
The AUASB also opened consultation on amendments to ASSA 5000 to incorporate illustrative sustainability auditor reports.
DCCEEW opened consultations on climate-related scenario analysis guidance and greenhouse gas emissions methodology for the Agricultural sector.
ASIC issued the Reporting and audit update – Issue 2, with additional FAQ about sustainability assurance, the process of lodging sustainability reports, and sustainability reporting relief applications.
The UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP30) was held in Belém, Brazil. Australia withdrew its bid to be the host, instead agreeing to take a negotiating role as President of Negotiations.
The Treasury Laws Amendment (Strengthening Financial Systems and Other Measures) Bill 2025 received Royal Assent, effective 5 December 2025.
The AASB is anticipated to issue the proposed amendment to AASB S2, effective 1 January 2027, with early adoption permitted.
What to expect in 2026
In the coming year, we are expecting to see the first round of Group 1 reports being released from February to April 2026. Many of these reports will be for private unlisted entities.
ASIC is expected to release observations on the first round of reports in May to June 2026, ahead of the second round of Group 1 reports from August to October. The AASB & AUASB are both also expected to continue supporting implementation with further educational materials.
We will continue bring you the latest new developments in sustainability reporting and assurance through our insights and webinars.
Article contributed to by Lily Fox – Senior Manager, Sustainable Finance
Learn more about how our Sustainability reporting services can help you
Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) have both recently published FAQs providing guidance on the use of the different auditors for financial reporting audit and sustainability reporting assurance.
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