Eliminating income tax barriers to inbound islamic investment into Australia

Abstract

The increase in the revenues of Arab nations presents an opportunity for Australia to increase its share of Arab investment. But Islamic investors are expected to invest only in financial products and structures that comply with shariah law, which prohibits returns in the nature of interest. This article examines the implications of shariah law for inbound Arab investment into Australia. Australia's legal system can accommodate such structures, but the tax implications for non-resident Arab investors using these structures may not be favourable. This article explores whether Australia's income tax laws should be amended to facilitate greater Arab investment into the country.