Tony is a strategic, commercial advisor to a range of corporates (listed and private groups) and high-net-worth individuals. In addition to his domestic practice, Tony has an extensive network of international clients, with a particular focus on clients in China, Singapore, Malaysia and ASEAN generally. Tony leads the Australian Asia Desk and is an APAC lead of our Sports & Entertainment Group.

Tony plays a strategic, advisory role – identifying opportunities and bringing parties together, counselling on structuring and commercial terms – as well as providing more traditional legal and taxation advice.

A corporate and tax law specialist (with CPA and Tax Institute accreditation), Tony focuses on mid-market corporate advisory and mergers and acquisitions. He has specialist knowledge in corporate, tax and fund structures, foreign investment issues particularly from Asia (including FIRB) and regularly advises clients on funds establishment and management particularly in the technology, agriculture and property sectors. Tony provides advice in the technology sector including crowd funding and the regulatory framework concerning cryptocurrencies. He also advises on AFSL and regulatory matters relating to the financial services sector.

Previously, Tony spent a number of years as Group Counsel at the Griffin Group, a diversified conglomerate with more than AU$3 billion in assets internationally.

Since returning to private practice, he has undertaken a range of leadership roles, including as group lead of a corporate team and head of an Asia desk. Tony also holds a number of non-executive board positions.

A recognized mentor to ethnic leaders, Tony has been an active participant in the WA State Government’s Diversification of Boards program and is the President of the WA Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

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  • Advised on the IPO and ASX listing of medical imaging software developer, Singular Health Group Ltd.
  • Advised on the sale of a significant insurance broking business in WA. This required advice on the optimal restructure steps required to effect the sale and on post-sale management structure.
  • Advising and drafting necessary operational contracts for a dairy operation in Western Australia, with supply offtake to Asia.
  • Advising Chinese entity on a farm-in arrangement in Queensland.
  • Advising Chinese venture on a mining joint venture in Western Australia.
  • Advising on the establishment of an early stage venture capital fund.
  • Advising on the set up to acquire and develop a medicinal cannabis business for export purposes.
  • Advising an Australian company to implement an e-banking technology business in The Philippines and on its proposed mergers and acquisition.
  • Advising on AFSL and managed investment trust requirements for a significant Asian group to establish a property fund in Australia.
  • Advising an Asian entity to seek foreign reporting requirement relief at ASIC.
  • Advising a high net worth family residing in Africa on its tax obligation and residency issues in Australia. 
  • Advising the board of Keystart Loans Ltd on the sale of its loan books (circa AU$1.3+ billion) and advising them on their future funding model.
  • Advised WA Football Commission on its tenure and funding negotiations with the WA State Government.
  • Advised Western Force Owners Limited in its fundraising structure (including preparation of the community based organisation prospectus) and attempts to secure the Western Force rugby operating licence from the ARU.
  • Acted for SGX listed entity in its proposed acquisition of the Goldings Group from CHAMPS.
  • Advising Singaporean group on its joint venture investment for litigation funding business.
  • Acted on the sale of the Appian Group (leading project management services business) to PwC.
  • Acted on the sale of UrbanGrid to Downer EDI.
  • Advised on the RTO for Westar Industrial, TV2U International Limited and Intiger Group Limited.
  • Advised on sale of an infrastructure company with majority Singaporean interests.
  • Advised on the funds formation and establishment and the Indian Ocean Ventures Fund (Venture Capital Fund).
  • Advised and negotiated settlement with ATO for high-net-wealth individuals in relation to their tax liabilities (debts greater than AU$50 million), including advice on taxpayers affected by Project Wickenby.
  • Defending an entertainment group from GST investigations for GST liabilities in excess of AU$10 million.

Education

  • UNSW, M. Taxation, 2003
  • Murdoch University, B. Com, Accounting, 1996
  • Murdoch University, LL.B., Honours, 1996

Admissions

  • Western Australia

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Australian Institute of Company Directors, Member
  • Tax Institute of Australia, Chartered Tax Adviser
  • CPA, Fellow

Languages

  • English
  • Cantonese
  • Mandarin
  • Recommended as a leading Tax Lawyer in Western Australia by Doyle’s Guide 2024
  • Recognised as a leading Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer by Best Lawyers in Australia 2021
  • Recognised as a leading Corporate Lawyer by Best Lawyers in Australia 2020

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