Many tax-exempt organizations can now change their state of organization and retain their current tax exemption.
The Government has released a consultation paper as part of their commitment to ongoing reform of Australia’s corporate insolvency regime. Phoenix activity refers to both legitimate business rescue activities and serial insolvency to avoid debts.
On 12 September 2017, the Hon Kelly O'Dwyer MP, Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, announced the Government's plans to crack down on illegal phoenixing activity (ie, the stripping and transferring of assets from one company to another to avoid paying liabilities) and ensure that those involved face tougher penalties.
The Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 2) Act 2017 (Cth), which introduces a safe harbour for directors of insolvent companies and a stay on the operation of ‘ipso facto’ clauses during and after certain formal insolvency processes, received Royal Assent on 18 September 2017.
Director safe harbour
Two key changes made to Australian insolvency law enhance restructuring efforts in Australia and could improve outcomes for US investors.
The court awarded OpCo Noteholders in excess of $320 million in Make-Whole Amount and post-petition interest, confirming that make-whole is an enforceable liquidated damage claim.
The Senate Economics Legislation Committee has released a report (Report) regarding its inquiry into the provisions of the Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 2) Bill 2017 (Bill) which amends:
The Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No 2) Bill 2017 was passed by the House of Representatives on 22 June 2017 and has had a second reading moved in the Senate.
The Bill:
Following consultation on exposure draft legislation between 28 March 2017 and 24 April 2017, the Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No.2) Bill 2017 (Cth) (Bill) was introduced into the House of Representatives and received its second reading speech on 1 June 2017.
The Bill proposes to:
On 28 March 2017 the Federal Government released for public consultation draft legislation (Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 2) Bill 2017 – Exposure Draft) that seeks to amend the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) by introducing: