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Foreign Investment

FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN AUSTRALIA

Foreign investment is welcome in Australia, however the Australian Government regulates the investment by foreigners through its Foreign Investment Policy. 

The Australian Government’s approach to Foreign Investment Policy is to encourage foreign investment consistent with community interests.  The Foreign Investment Policy provides for Government scrutiny of many proposed foreign purchasers of Australian businesses and property.  The Government has the power under the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (“the Act”) to block proposals that are required to be notified and which are determined to be contrary to the National interests.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT REVIEW BOARD

The Foreign Investment Review Board (“FIRB”) is a Federal Government body which examines proposals by foreign people who undertake direct investment in Australia, and makes recommendations to the Government under this Foreign Investment Policy.

It is unlawful for a foreign person to invest in Australia without first obtaining Foreign Investment Review Board approval, unless the purchase is exempt.