About Duncan
Duncan is recognised as one of Queensland’s pre-eminent tax lawyers. His practical understanding of business and transactions means his solutions on taxation revenue issues provide the best outcome for his clients.
Duncan is an expert in business and transaction structuring, taxation and foreign investment with a solid foundation in general commercial law which ensures his advice and solutions deliver value to clients.
He designs and implements effective structures for transactions and asset ownership, always seeking to secure his clients cost-effective tax and stamp duty outcomes. This includes advising on stamp duty exemptions, assessments, private rulings and objections. Additionally he advises on corporate reconstructions, demergers, holding company interpositions and rollovers and general commercial matters.
Duncan is also recognised for his expertise in managing matters before the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). He focuses on identifying and managing restrictions on foreign investment and advising on appropriate structures and processes for foreign companies, governments and individuals proposing to invest in Australia.
Duncan has provided advice to clients across a range of industries and leads our Food and Agribusiness team.
Specialisations
Experience
Sojitz Coal Resources
Leading the successful appeal to the Supreme Court of Queensland against a decision by the QRO to assess land rich duty on the value of mining leases.
Leading Australian resources company
Advising on complex mineral royalty dispute.
Consolidated Pastoral Company
Ongoing FIRB approval and compliance work for one of the largest landholders in Australia.
Global Student Accommodation
FIRB advice and approvals (including fee waivers), duty and tax advice and transaction structuring on the acquisition of a portfolio of student accommodation assets.
Resolute Mining
Successfully appealed against a duty assessment, overturning the QRO’s long held position on assessments of transaction involving contingent consideration.
Corporatising family farm
Advising on and implementing a restructure of a complex family farming arrangement to corporatise the structure ready for external investment (while managing the associated tax and duty implications).