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Ashes to ashes ...the Phoenix no longer rises

Published on 01 Sep 12 by "TAXATION IN AUSTRALIA" JOURNAL ARTICLE

The term “phoenix activity” describes the occurrence of a company accumulating debts and then being placed into voluntary administration or liquidation in order to avoid paying those debts. The controlling entities behind the business then form a new company through which the business re-emerges, debt-free. Measures have been introduced to enforce compliance with tax and superannuation obligations owed by entities that had engaged in phoenix activity. The measures are particularly aimed at the building and construction industry. However, many of the new measures will apply equally to all businesses.

The ATO has also introduced new tools to help businesses make the right decisions in meeting their tax and superannuation obligations. This article examines these new initiatives, with particular focus on changes to the director penalty regime, new reporting requirements in the building and construction industry, and other legislative changes, including changes to corporations law.

Author profiles

Arthur Athanasiou CTA-Life
Photo of author, Arthur ATHANASIOU Arthur Athanasiou, CTA (Life), is an Accredited Tax Law Specialist and Principal of AGA Legal Pty Ltd. He is a highly competent and well-respected tax lawyer with 30 years’ experience. While he provides clients with tax and structuring advice, his main area of focus is in resolving tax disputes with the ATO and SRO and settling tax audits. Arthur also practises in matters involving tax agents and inquiries by the Tax Practitioners Board including appealing adverse TPB decisions. His practice also extends to white-collar crime, and other taxation offences. He also has a Deceased Estates practice. Arthur has qualified as a Chartered Accountant and is a former President of The Tax Institute. He has been appointed as an Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University Law School and chaired the Law Institute’s Tax Law Advisory Committee for a decade. Arthur has been recognized by Doyle's Guide who has recognized him as a "Leading Lawyer, Tax Law, Victoria" multiple times (2016, 2018-2024) and a "Recommended Lawyer, Tax Law, Victoria" (2015, 2017). Best Lawyers Peer Review recognised him as "Best Lawyer Trusts and Estates" (2022-2026) and for his work in Tax Law (since 2023). He is a widely published writer on taxation issues and regularly appears in mainstream media and presents at tax conferences and seminars. - Current at 03 June 2025
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Mark Gioskos
Mark Gioskos, FTI, specialises in taxation and revenue law. He has extensive experience in Federal, State and Territory tax and commercial matters and has acted for governmental, public and private entities and individuals. Mark is a Senior Fellow of Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne, where he teaches within the Melbourne Law Masters program. He serves as a member of the Tax Bar Association committee and The Tax Institute's Victorian State Council. He holds a Master of Laws from The University of Melbourne and is a Fellow of The Tax Institute. Mark was named as a winner of the Australasian Lawyer 2022 Rising Star awards. He has authored several journal articles and is a regular presenter at conferences and seminars. - Current at 08 May 2024
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