There have been significant changes in the Australian economic landscape over the past year. We have seen rising interest rates and inflation but with low income growth. A change in government with a new focus on multinational tax measures. Record levels of M&A transactions of recent years have moderated. Energy transition continues to be a major driver of new capital investment in infrastructure. Infrastructure investment remains critical for creating the conditions in which our economy can continue to grow in the post COVID recovery period.
This year’s program provided an outstanding array of speakers and topics. Richard Jones (Citi) and Nicki Hutley (Nicki Hutley Economics) together with Suzanne Emery (ATO) delivered keynote addresses. We were also honoured to have an expert panel comprising members including Kristen Deards SC, Michael Flynn KC and Peter Walmsley (ATO) to debate recent developments around Part IVA interpretation and its impact for infrastructure transactions.
This year we were particularly focussed on the topical areas of the impending thin capitalisation reform and interpretation/administration around Taxable Australian Real Property (TARP), which are areas of significance to the industry.