Rhys Penning

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Audit

Grant Thornton’s expert audit approach will help you comply with regulations, and improve business strategies and internal processes.

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Compliance audits & reviews
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.
Audit quality
We are fiercely dedicated to quality, use proven and globally tested audit methodologies, and invest in technology and innovation.
Financial reporting advisory
Our financial reporting advisory team helps you understand changes in accounting standards, develop strategies and communicate with your stakeholders.
Audit advisory
Grant Thornton’s audit advisory team works alongside our clients, providing a full range of reviews and audits required of your business.

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Client Alert Navigating the cost-of-living crisis: Implications for fraud and cyber risk

It is a challenging time for many; from a cost-of-living crisis and global political uncertainty, to lingering stress post pandemic. Coupled with business control weaknesses or vulnerabilities, these pressures can create the perfect storm for financial crime to occur.

| 6 min read | 12 Dec 2024

Tax

We work with clients at all stages of their business lifecycle – and through all their organisation’s major events – to navigate tax obligations.

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Corporate tax & advisory
We provide comprehensive corporate tax and advisory service across the full spectrum of the corporate tax process.
Private business tax & advisory
We work with private businesses and their leaders on all their business tax and advisory needs.
Tax compliance
We work alongside clients to manage all tax compliance needs and identify potential compliance or tax risk issues.
Employment tax
We help clients understand and address their employment tax obligations to ensure compliance and optimal tax positioning for their business and employees.
International tax
We understand what it means to manage tax issues across multiple jurisdictions, and create effective strategies to address complex challenges.
GST, stamp duty & indirect tax
Our deep technical knowledge and practical experience means we can help you manage and minimise the impact of GST and indirect tax, like stamp duty.
Tax law
Our team – which includes tax lawyers – helps you understand and implement regulatory requirements for your business.
Innovation Incentives
Our national team has extensive experience navigating all aspects of the government grants and research and development tax incentives.
Transfer pricing
Transfer pricing is one of the most challenging tax issues. We help clients with all their transfer pricing requirements.
Tax digital consulting
We analyse high-volume and unstructured data from multiple sources from our clients to give them actionable insights for complex business problems.
Corporate simplification
We provide corporate simplification and managed wind-down advice to help streamline and further improve your business.
Superannuation and SMSF
Increasingly, Australians are seeing the benefits, advantages and flexibility of taking control of their own superannuation and retirement planning.

Related insights:

Client Alert ATO tightens country-by-country reporting exemptions: what you need to know

The ATO has tightened exemption criteria for country-by-country reporting, effective January 1, 2024. Taxpayers will need to submit more information, aligning with the ATO's focus on international tax risks and local file reporting.

| 5 min read | 19 Dec 2024

Risk

We work with clients to implement risk management processes and strategies to reduce risk and identify opportunity to extract commercial value.

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Payroll consulting & Award compliance
Many organisations are grappling with a myriad of employee agreements and obligations, resulting in a wide variety of payments to their people.
Cyber resilience
The spectrum of cyber risks and threats is now so significant that simply addressing cybersecurity on its own isn’t enough.
Internal audit
We provide independent oversight and review of your organisation's control environments to manage key risks, inform good decision-making and improve performance.
Financial crime
Our team helps clients navigate and meet their obligations to mitigate crime as well as develop and implement their risk management strategies.
Consumer Data Right
Consumer Data Right (CDR) aims to provide Australians with more control over how their data is used and disclosed.
Risk management
We enable our clients to achieve their strategic objectives, fulfil their purpose and live their values supported by effective and appropriate risk management.
Controls assurance
In Australia, as with other developed economies, regulatory and market expectations regarding corporate transparency continue to increase.
Governance
Through fit for purpose governance we enable our clients to make the appropriate decisions on a timely basis.
Regulatory compliance
We enable our clients to navigate and meet their regulatory and compliance obligations.

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Podcast Brisbane 2032 Olympics: opportunities, challenges, procurement risks and strategies

In the latest episode of Beyond the Numbers with Grant Thornton, our Brisbane Office Chair and Tax Partner Sian Sinclair and Risk Consulting Partner Jarrod Lean discuss opportunities, challenges, procurement risks and strategies.

| 27 min listen | 23 Oct 2024

Forensics

Our forensics team identifies and obtains relevant information, investigates the financial issue at hand and provides a clear, concise, sustainable opinion as...

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Forensic accounting and dispute advisory
Our team advises at all stages of a litigation dispute, taking an independent view while gathering and reviewing evidence and contributing to expert reports.
Investigations
Our licensed forensic investigators with domestic and international experience deliver high quality results in the jurisdictions in which you operate.
Asset tracing investigations
Our team of specialist forensic accountants and investigators have extensive experience in tracing assets and the flow of funds.

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Client Alert Expert Determination: When it’s an ‘error’, but not a ‘manifest error’

In a recent NSWSC judgment, the Court found that an error identified by the Expert is not a ‘manifest error’.

Thomas Caldow

| 3 min read | 15 Oct 2024

Deals

Our team works with clients on all aspects of their deals to get the transaction done and implement the frameworks for long-term success.

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Mergers and acquisitions
Our mergers and acquisitions specialists guide you through the whole process to get the deal done and lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Acquisition search & strategy
We help clients identify, finance, perform due diligence and execute acquisitions to maximise the growth opportunities of your business.
Selling a business
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.
Operational deal services
Our operational deal services team helps to ensure the greatest possible outcome and value is gained through post merger integration or post acquisition integration.
Transaction advisory
Our transaction advisory services support our clients to make informed investment decisions through robust financial due diligence.
ESG and sustainability due diligence
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations become increasingly pivotal for dealmakers in Australia, it is important for investors to feel confident in assessing transactions through an ESG lens.
Business valuations
We use our expertise and unique and in-depth methodology to undertake business valuations to help clients meet strategic goals.
Tax in mergers & acquisition
We provide expert advice for all M&A taxation aspects to ensure you meet all obligations and are optimally positioned.

Related insights:

Insight Australia’s merger and acquisition landscape receives largest regime shake up in 50 years

On 10 October 2024 the Treasury Laws Amendment (Mergers and Acquisitions Reform) Bill 2024 (the Bill) was tabled in the Australian Parliament in an effort to overhaul Australia’s mergers and acquisition laws. The bill was passed by both houses of Parliament on 28 November 2024.

Pete Burgess

| 6 min read | 18 Dec 2024

Finance and funding

Our finance and funding team works to access sources of finance, present your case to potential funders and negotiate a long-term sustainable relationship.

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Corporate finance
We provide effective and strategic corporate finance services across all stages of investments and transactions so clients can better manage costs and maximise returns.
Debt advisory
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.
Working capital optimisation
Our proven methodology identifies opportunities to improve your processes and optimise working capital, and we work with to implement changes and monitor their effectiveness.
Capital markets
Our team has significant experience in capital markets and helps across every phase of the IPO process.
Debt and project finance raising
Backed by our experience accessing full range of available funding types, we work with clients to develop and implement capital raising strategies.
Private equity
We provide advice in accessing private equity capital.
Financial modelling
Our financial modelling advisory team provides strategic, economic, financial and valuation advice for project types and sizes.
Payments advisory
We provide merchants-focused payments advice on all aspects of payment processes and technologies.

Related insights:

Report Agribusiness, Food & Beverage Dealtracker 2024

Merger & Acquisition (M&A) and equity market activity in the Agribusiness, Food & Beverage (Ag, F&B) sector is undergoing a strategic shift, as investors have become more selective and increasingly cautious in response to global economic uncertainty.

12 Dec 2024

Insolvency

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.

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Voluntary administration & DOCA
We help businesses considering or in voluntary administration to achieve best possible outcomes.
Corporate insolvency & liquidation
We help clients facing corporate insolvency to undertake the liquidation process to achieve a fair and orderly company wind up.
Complex and international insolvency
As corporate finance specialists, Grant Thornton can help you with raising equity, listings, corporate structuring and compliance.
Safe Harbour advisory
Our Safe Harbour Advisory helps directors address requirements for Safe Harbour protection and business turnaround.
Bankruptcy and personal insolvency
We help clients make informed choices around bankruptcy and personal insolvency to ensure the best personal and stakeholder outcome.
Creditor advisory services
Our credit advisory services team works provides clients with credit management assistance and credit advice to recapture otherwise lost value.
Small business restructuring process
We provide expert advice and guidance for businesses that may need to enter or are currently in small business restructuring process.
Asset tracing investigations
Our team of specialist forensic accountants and investigators have extensive experience in tracing assets and the flow of funds.

Related insights:

Insight The rise in retail insolvencies

Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer behaviour are pushing many retailers to the edge. Taking immediate action to reduce operational expenses and prioritise cash flow management can give businesses the breathing room they need. Retailers must adapt quickly to survive these challenging market conditions and avoid insolvencies.

| 4 min read | 22 Oct 2024

Restructuring and turnaround

We help clients identify and undertake restructuring and turnaround initiatives to preserve profitability and protect and recover value.

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Independent business reviews
Does your company need a health check? Grant Thornton’s expert team can help you get to the heart of your issues to drive sustainable growth.
Commercial performance
We help clients improve commercial performance, profitability and address challenges after internal or external triggers require a major business model shift.
Safe Harbour advisory
Our Safe Harbour advisory helps directors address requirements for Safe Harbour protection and business turnaround.
Corporate simplification
We provide corporate simplification and managed wind-down advice to help streamline and further improve your business.
Director advisory services
We provide strategic director advisory services in times of business distress to help directors navigate issues and protect their company and themselves from liability.
Debt advisory
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.

Related insights:

Insight The rise in retail insolvencies

| 4 min read | 22 Oct 2024

Business services

We work with private businesses across Australia – and internationals looking to Australia for their investments and operations – on all accounting and...

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Business planning & strategy
Our clients can access business planning and strategy advice through our value add business strategy sessions.
Private business company secretarial services
We provide company secretarial services and expert advice for private businesses on all company secretarial matters.
Outsourced accounting services
We act as a third-party partner to international businesses looking to invest in Australia on your day-to-day finance and accounting needs.
Superannuation and SMSF
We provide SMSF advisory services across all aspects of superannuation and associated tax laws to help you protect and grow your wealth.
Management reporting
We help you build comprehensive management reporting so that you have key insights as your business grows and changes.
Financial reporting
We help with all financial reporting needs, including set up, scaling up, spotting issues and improving efficiency.
Forecasting & budgeting
We help you build and maintain a business forecasting and budgeting model for ongoing insights about your business.
ATO audit support
Our team of experts provide ATO audit support across the whole process to ensure ATO requirements are met.
Family business consulting
Our family business consulting team works with family businesses on running their businesses for continued future success.
Private business taxation and structuring
We help private business leaders efficiently structure their organisation for optimal operation and tax compliance.
Outsourced CFO services
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.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability

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...

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ESG, sustainability and climate reporting
There is a growing demand for organisations to provide transparency on their commitment to sustainability and disclosure of the nonfinancial impacts of their business activities. Commonly, the responsibility for sustainability and ESG reporting is landing with CFOs and finance teams, requiring a reassessment of a range of reporting processes and controls.
ESG, sustainability and climate advisory
With the ESG and sustainability landscape continuing to evolve, we are focussed on helping your business to understand what ESG and sustainability represents and the opportunities and challenges it can provide.
ESG, sustainability and climate reporting assurance
As the demand for organisations to prepare information in relation to ESG & sustainability continues to increase, through changes in regulatory requirements or stakeholder expectations, there is a growing need for assurance over the information prepared.
ESG and sustainability due diligence
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations become increasingly pivotal for dealmakers in Australia, it is important for investors to feel confident in assessing transactions through an ESG lens.

Related insights:

Insight ASIC draft regulatory guidance for sustainability reporting

On 7 November 2024, ASIC released draft regulatory guidance for sustainability reporting.

| 5 min read | 25 Nov 2024

Consulting

Our consulting team supports its clients with hands-on and proactive advice on all aspects of their strategies for sustainable growth.

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Management consulting
Our management consulting services team helps you to plan and implement the right strategy to deliver sustainable growth.
Financial consulting
We provide financial consulting services to keep your business running so you focus on your clients and reaching strategic goals.

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Insight Financial literacy for the Rising Generation

Money and finances can often be a sensitive and discreet topic in families, but what about families that own and operate a family business? Discussions about money can often begin around the dinner table, with even very young children receiving pocket money in exchange for chores.

Kirstin Stewart

| 4 min read | 28 Nov 2024

Asia

The growth gateway

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China practice
The investment opportunities between Australia and China are well established yet, in recent years, have also diversified.
Japan practice
The trading partnership between Japan and Australia is long-standing and increasingly important to both countries’ economies.
India practice
It’s an exciting time for Indian and Australian businesses looking to each jurisdiction as part of their growth ambitions.
Singapore practice
Our Singapore Practice works alongside Singaporean companies to achieve growth through investment and market expansion into Australia.
Vietnam practice
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.

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Client Alert Consultation on foreign resident CGT rules commences

Treasury is taking steps to ensure fairer tax treatment for foreign resident investors by tightening Australia's foreign resident Capital Gains Tax (CGT) regime. Proposed changes aim to broaden the CGT base and enhance integrity, impacting infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and more.

| 6 min read | 07 Aug 2024

Industries

Agribusiness, Food & Beverage

Supporting the growth of ‘Australian Made’ in today’s markets

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Related insights:

Report Agribusiness, Food & Beverage Dealtracker 2024
Merger & Acquisition (M&A) and equity market activity in the Agribusiness, Food & Beverage (Ag, F&B) sector is undergoing a strategic shift, as investors have become more selective and increasingly cautious in response to global economic uncertainty.

12 Dec 2024
Client Alert Government Grants in FY25
As we embark on a new financial year, it’s crucial to take a strategic approach to understanding the government grants landscape.

Simone Barker
| 12 min read | 09 Aug 2024
Client Alert Consultation on foreign resident CGT rules commences
Treasury is taking steps to ensure fairer tax treatment for foreign resident investors by tightening Australia's foreign resident Capital Gains Tax (CGT) regime. Proposed changes aim to broaden the CGT base and enhance integrity, impacting infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and more.

| 6 min read | 07 Aug 2024
Insight Australian wine export strategies post-China tariff removal
Following the recent removal of tariffs on Australian wine by China, the industry is keen to rebuild relations and explore the right export markets. This presents Australian wine producers with a chance to reassess their position in the global market.

| 5 min read | 24 Jul 2024

Energy & Resources

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...

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Renewable Energy
Transformation through energy transition

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Insight Tax planning essentials for successful M&A transactions

Discover key tax planning steps for a smooth, tax-efficient M&A transaction.

Mark Trewhella

| 6 min read | 04 Nov 2024

Financial Services

Working with the sector to understand and manage risk, embrace opportunity and support regulatory compliance

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Health & Aged Care

Working alongside health, disability & aged care providers in a challenging environment

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Life Sciences

On track for innovation and growth

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Manufacturing

Supporting the growth of the innovators, the IP generators and the job creators

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Not for Profit

Supporting social impact organisations to deliver for communities

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Professional Services

Setting Australia’s knowledge powerhouse up for success

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Real Estate & Construction

Supporting the sector to respond to economic and social shifts

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Retail & Consumer Products

Our aim is to help you find a better, simpler, more efficient, and more profitable way of doing things to keep your business safe and help you grow.

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Technology, Media & Telecommunications

Exciting, fast paced, innovative and disruptive

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Careers

At Grant Thornton we do things differently because we understand that when you strive for better and care about what you do remarkable things are possible.

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Working at Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we reach for remarkable and set the bar high to deliver a strikingly different experience for our people.

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The compelling client experience we’re passionate about creating at Grant Thornton can only be achieved through our people. We’ll encourage you to influence how, when and where you work, and take control of your time.
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At Grant Thornton, we strive to create a culture of continuous learning and growth. Throughout every stage of your career, you’ll to be encouraged and supported to seize opportunities and reach your full potential.
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To be able to reach your remarkable, we understand that you need to feel connected and respected as your authentic self – so we listen and strive for deeper understanding of what belonging means.
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We’re passionate about making a difference in our communities. Through our sustainability and community engagement initiatives, we aim to contribute to society by creating lasting benefits that empower others to thrive.

Early careers

Here, you’ll join a collaborative, agile and dynamic firm that delivers quality services in Assurance, Tax, Financial Advisory, Private Advisory and...

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As a new graduate, we aim to provide you more than just your ‘traditional’ graduate program; instead we kick start your career as an Associate and support you to turn theory into practice.
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I strive to traverse the ever-changing GST landscape to distil the most complex combinations of tax technical and business matters into clear, concise and implementable solutions based on technical rigour and commercial understanding.

Partner – Indirect Tax

Leaning on his diverse experience across 25 plus years of practice in legal and Big4 firms, both in Australia and Dubai, Rhys is exceptionally well placed to provide deep value to a diverse range of clients. He has broad industry exposures and brings his expertise, knowledge and judgement to face of any challenge.

Rhys’ wealth of GST technical and legal knowledge coupled with his compliance and governance skills mean he is now a recognised GST thought leader in Australia. Rhys combines his deep commercial acumen and professional judgement to deliver strategic, but practical and implementable solutions for clients.

As an active member of the Property Council’s GST subcommittee and the Retirement Living Council’s Tax committee for many years, and having been involved in many Government and ATO consultations, Rhys has extensive knowledge of GST policy and other matters.

Experience

Over a long period, Rhys has advised on a wide range of matters including:

Property development and construction, with an emphasis on broad acre residential developments encompassing such GST issues as application of the margin scheme and social and affordable housing as well as retirement living and aged care.
Infrastructure and large-scale construction projects, including various PPP projects (acting variously for Government, Proponents and Financiers) and a significant number of renewable energy projects.
Financial services including retail, commercial and institutional banking, funds and asset management and asset finance.
M&A, including due diligence, structuring, equity raising and financing.
GST compliance, including the use of advanced technology.
ATO dealings including audits, assurance reviews, rulings and disputes.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Law – University of Tasmania
Master of Law – University of Melbourne

Latest Articles

Client Alert The clock is ticking on your GST credit entitlements

Division 93 of the GST Act sets a four year limit for claiming ITCs and FTCs. Missing this means losing the right to claim. The ATO's Ruling MT 2024/1 explains how this works and when claims are timely.