Practice Expertise

  • Tax
  • Finance
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Areas of Practice

  • Finance
  • Tax
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WSG Practice Industries

Profile

I bring a balanced, solutions-focused mindset – GST can be an enabler of transactions instead of serving as a roadblock.

I’m proud to have worked with many of my clients for more than 15 years. My experience ranges from appearing before the High Court to conducting site visits wearing gumboots and a hard hat – because understanding my clients’ business helps me provide the best service.

I have been recognised as a leading tax lawyer and customs and excise lawyer by Best Lawyers since 2010 and as a leading tax lawyer by Chambers Asia-Pacific since 2014. As a member of the Property Council of Australia’s GST Committee and the Law Council of Australia’s Tax Subcommittee, I am often asked to consult on prospective Australian Taxation Office positions, and have the opportunity to represent my clients’ views on policy issues before decisions are made.

Career highlights

  • AMP – advised on the new Quay Quarter Sydney development in central Sydney
  • Australian Unity – worked on its Herston Quarter development in Brisbane
  • The University of Sydney – advised on its Queen Mary and Abercrombie student accommodation facilities, totalling more than 4,000 beds
  • American Express – represented the company in its GST litigation before the Full Bench of the Federal Court of Australia and the High Court of Australia
  • Aveo Group – helped with its acquisition of Freedom Aged Care’s retirement village operations
  • Singapore Telecommunications Limited – advised the company on the sale of its coaxial cable assets to NBN Co Limited
  • NSW Treasury – advised on the privatisation of Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle
  • Reserve Bank of Australia – counselled the bank on its operations and services to Commonwealth agencies
  • Transport for NSW – worked with the authority to appoint a private operator for Sydney Ferries
  • UrbanGrowth NSW – advised on the disposal of the South Western Sydney Portfolio

Education
BComm, LLB (Hons)

Areas of Practice

  • Finance
  • Tax

Professional Career

Professional Associations
  • Law Council of Australia's Indirect Tax Liaison Committee, Member
  • Property Council of Australia Tax Committee, GST Subcommittee, Member 
Seminars/ Presentation
Rhys has presented numerous seminars on GST and often appears in the print media to comment on significant developments in the GST law.


Articles

  • Managing your GST and PAYG - getting it right before the ATO visits!
    Ensuring your management and compliance with GST and PAYG will minimise the risk of an unexpected ATO audit notification.
  • GST's margin scheme continues to be muddied by the barter – or why the blancmange is an inferior dessert

    The decision of WYPF and FCT [2021] AATA 3050 (reported at 2021 WTB 36 [876]) and key issues that could have much broader implications beyond the property industry.


  • High Court GST case impacting government entities

    The High Court's decision in Hornsby Shire Council v Commonwealth of Australia [2023] HCA 19 is a win for the Commonwealth and the States, but raises questions regarding their ability to enforce standard GST gross-up clauses.

  • Redevelopment of Ivanhoe Estate at Macquarie Park

    MinterEllison advised NSW Land and Housing Corporation (LAHC) on $2.2 billion redevelopment of Ivanhoe Estate at Macquarie Park.

  • Proposed budget reforms to GST

    Proposed government reforms to GST will change the way GST operates on the sale of new residential premises and subdivisions.

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