The Treasurer has announced changes to Australia’s foreign investment review framework, effective from 10.30pm AEDT on Sunday 29 March 2020, relating to monetary thresholds and timeframes for reviewing applications. Details are available in our Guidance Note, updated on 18 May 2020, which addresses the effects of the changes. All material on this website should be read in light of the Treasurer’s announcement.
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News
24 May 2018
Presented on 16 May 2018
1 February 2018
The Australian Government has released new guidance clarifying that foreign investors can only acquire agricultural land where there has been an open and transparent sale process.
4 January 2018
Monetary thresholds for foreign investors were indexed on 1 January 2018.
14 December 2017
Treasurer Scott Morrison has announced the appointment of Ms Teresa Dyson as a part-time member to the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) for a five-year period.
14 August 2017
Media Release by the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP (as at 14/8/2017)
21 July 2017
Presented on 18 July 2017
9 May 2017
In the 2017-18 Budget, the Australian Government announced several changes regarding the foreign investment framework. Information on each of these changes is provided below. The final details will be subject to the passage of legislation.
8 April 2017
Media Release by the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP (as at 8/4/2017)
8 April 2017
Treasurer Scott Morrison has today announced the appointment of David Irvine AO as Chair of the Foreign Investment Review Board, replacing outgoing Chair Brian Wilson.
9 March 2017
The screening of non-sensitive commercial real estate and internal reorganisation (restructure) foreign investment applications will be undertaken by the ATO from 1 April 2017. This is an internal administrative change by Government and will not require any action by Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) applicants.
8 March 2017
The Government has released a consultation paper on proposed changes to Australia's foreign investment framework. The consultation paper seeks views from stakeholders on proposed changes in the areas of residential land, non-vacant commercial land, low sensitivity business investment and fees.
The paper also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to present examples on how technical issues in the legislation could be addressed and any further ideas for reform.
6 February 2017
Media Release by the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP (as at 6/2/2017)
9 December 2016
Media Release by the Treasurer, the Hon Scott Morrison MP (as at 9/12/2016)