He specialises in the Funds Management, Agribusiness, and Retail sectors, supporting clients to navigate regulatory change, investor expectations, and cross-border complexities. Luke has developed particular expertise in advising on agricultural investment structures, helping funds and investors optimise returns through effective tax strategies that address income tax, withholding tax, MIT/AMIT eligibility, and ESG-linked opportunities such as carbon credits.

Before becoming a Partner, Luke worked in the Business and Private Client Advisory division where he established a strong reputation as a trusted adviser to private family groups and mid-market businesses, leading numerous business consulting projects and tax engagements.

As Manager of the Financial Services Industry Group, Luke regularly presents to market participants and industry bodies. He leads our fund tax and accounting webinars, has delivered training to the Property Council of Australia, and spoken at Property Funds Association events.

Luke is also committed to community and professional development. He is an active member of the firm’s Community Opportunities Together Committee and has mentored many team members to manager roles across professional services and industry.

Luke’s experience includes: 

• Advising funds on structuring agricultural and real asset investments to achieve optimal tax outcomes for domestic and offshore investors
• Providing strategic tax advice on M&A transactions across agribusiness, funds management, and retail
• Advising on structuring for Australian and multinational groups, including inbound investment
• Delivering ongoing tax compliance services for listed and unlisted groups.

The post Luke Fernandes, Partner appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

The International Cool Climate Wine Show video series, produced by SW, showcases the unique features of Australia’s cool climate wines. Throughout the series we will be interviewing renowned winemakers and other stakeholders in the industry, hearing their war stories and hidden gems that may open doors to opportunities for your business.

SW is proud to sponsor the International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS), the southern hemisphere’s foremost show for inspirational cool climate wines. The ICCWS is known as one of the best boutique cool climate wine shows in Australia, attracting more than 700 wines from around the world. It’s also an opportunity to taste and network with wine retailers, restauranteurs, sommeliers, wine writers, wine media, wine students and wine enthusiasts.

Vince Pignatelli at Winestock talks about Italian Wines and Viberti

Listen to Vince Pignatelli, Winestock Victoria Managing Director, and Paul White, ICCWS chairman, in the latest SW ICCWS video as they talk about Barolo wines, the flagship grape in the Barolo region – Nebbiolo, and Vince’s passion for bringing Italian wines to Australia.

Luke Weekley talks about Falcon UAV Aerial Imaging for wineries

In this interview, Luke Weekly, the owner of Falcon UAV, talks to Paul White, the Chairman of ICCWS, about how his drones are helping many farmers and wineries transform their work and take the whole production to the next level.

Damian Aliano talks about Puopolo’s Artisan Salumi

In this interview, Damian Aliano, the national sales manager of Puopolo smallgoods talks to Paul White, the Chairman of ICCWS about Puopolo’s gourmet handcrafted salami and air-dried cured meats made exclusively from Australian pork and beef using a traditional natural ageing process and the original recipe.

Sarah Andrew talks about Judging at the ICCWS

In this interview, Paul White, Chairman of the ICCWS talks to Sarah Andrew, one of the judges at ICCWS, asks about her experience as a wine judge and what she enjoys about it, as well as the challenges she had to navigate as a woman to become a judge.

Interview with Sam Plunkett, owner of Wine by Sam Part 2

In this interview, Paul White, Chairman of the ICCWS, and Sam Plunkett, the winemaker and owner of Wine by Sam, share how Australia wine industry reduce its carbon footprint in the process of winemaking.

Interview with Sam Plunkett, owner of Wine by William Bond

In this interview, Paul White, Chairman of the ICCWS, and William Bond, the winemaker and owner of Mr Bond Wine, discuss the qualities of what makes Australian cool climate wines unique, wine pairing and so much more. There are big personalities in this industry, with so much to share!

Interview with Sam Plunkett, owner of Wine by Sam Part 1

In this interview, Paul White, Chairman of the ICCWS, and Sam Plunkett, the winemaker and owner of Wine by Sam, share what ICCWS means to them, discuss their experiences as judges and panelists in ICCWS, and talk about how Sam’s farm reduces power costs by installing solar panels.

The post SW’s International Cool Climate Wine Show video series appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

With natural disasters and a pandemic continuing to cause disruption to the industry, plus an outbreak of foot and mouth disease raising concerns, we’re bringing together Agribusiness leaders and sector players to help bring hope and optimism to businesses from around the world.

Following a keynote from ANZ‘s Head of Agribusiness Insights, Michael Whitehead, some of our speakers include:

• Andrew Cox, General Manager – International Markets at Meat & Livestock Australia
• Helen Dornom, Manager – Sustainability at Dairy Australia
• Euan Friday, Chief Information Officer at Kilter Rural
• Dr Mardi Longbottom, Manager – Sustainability and Viticulture, Australian Wine Research Institute
• Peter Bailey, Manager – Wine Sector Intelligence, Wine Australia
• Toby Graham, General Manager China – SW

Hosted and moderated by SW agribusiness leaders, our speakers will discuss:

• Insights into where the industry is heading
• How you can open your doors to export opportunities
• Who is driving the need for sustainability
• How to future-proof your farms for the next generation.

Keynote | Insights into agribusiness and outlook for the sector

Trade | Opening doors to export opportunities

Sustainability | Future-proofing Australian Agribusiness

The post 2022 SW Agri Connect Trade Forum appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

Celebrating it’s 20th show, the International Cool Climate Wine Show (ICCWS) attracts more than 700 wines from around the world. The ICCWS is an opportunity to taste and network with wine retailers, restauranteurs, sommeliers, wine writers, wine media, wine students and wine enthusiasts.

What’s your flavour?

Australian wine has long held a stellar and well-earned reputation in global markets. SW understands the opportunities and challenges facing the wine and hospitality sectors in producing and selling wine both domestically and internationally.

At the show, we’ll be asking winemakers and members of the public how we can help wineries open their cellar doors. To enter, simply scan the QR code at the show and complete the survey. By having your say, you will also go into the draw to win a prize valued at $250.

Our teams will also be onsite at the Public Tasting Day on Saturday 28 May, so register below and get in touch with your SW contact to organise a good time to meet. We hope to see you there.

By entering this competition you agree to your details being included in SW Accountants & Advisors and International Cool Climate Show’s databases where you may receive articles, alerts and event invitations. If the survey is not completed you do not go into the draw or SW Accountants & Advisors’ database.

The post International Cool Climate Wine Show 2022 appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

With a May election fast approaching, there was a lot of anticipation that this Federal Budget would provide much needed support for households in managing the cost of living. While borders have opened, many business in several key sectors are still feeling the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and were also looking for some key measures to help get them back on their feet.

On the 29 March 2022, the Treasurer announced the Goverment’s plan for long-term economic growth in Australia, through job creation and focusing on investment in essential services and defence. The SW team has navigated the papers to find key measures for industry and sectors.

Take a look at our Fast Facts below or watch the full recording of the Budget Breakfast.

Did you miss out on our Federal Budget webinar?

Check out Catherine Birch, ANZ Senior Economist and our panel of experts as they shared their insights and key takeaways from the Budget.

Mandarin Overview – Federal Budget 2022/23

Watch our Mandarin team summarise the key announcements from this year’s Budget. SW’s team of Asian business experts deliver their insight into the challenges and practical opportunities.

Featuring our experienced and knowledgeable team: David Chu, Bessie Zhang, Vincent Shi, Toby Graham, Michael Chen and Michael Qin.

What does the Federal Budget mean for you?

Our Fast Facts provide an overview of the budget insights and potential opportunities from our team of experts. Tailored to your industry or business type, SW also reviews if the Federal Budget support measured up to expectations.

Take a look at what the Federal Budget means for you in 2022:

Agribusiness

Tourism, hospitality & gaming

Education

Individuals & SMEs

Energy & Resources

Property & infrastructure

The post Federal Budget Overview 2022/23 appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

Steven invests the time upfront with his clients to understand their business objectives. This enables him to deliver practical and commercial accounting and tax outcomes that align with the strategy and needs of his clients.

In addition to delivering strategic solutions, Steven also has experience in managing tax compliance and value-add projects. Ranging in size and complexity, the project outcomes have one thing in common, achieve great outcomes for the client.

Steven is a leading advisor to various industries including the Agribusiness and Automotive industries. He provides advisory, accounting and tax matters and is regularly sought after to consult on strategic industry projects.

Steven is a Partner of SW Australia and a Director of SW Australia Pty Ltd.

The post Steven Edmonds, Partner appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

He spent five years as General Director and Country Head for the Commonwealth Bank in Vietnam, leading the team that licensed and operationalised the bank there. He subsequently joined National Australia Bank as General Manager and Country Head, China Banking, where he spent more than five years leading the team that licensed and operationalised NAB on the China mainland.

In both Vietnam and China, Danny served as a Director on the Board of the respective Australian Chambers of Commerce. In China, he also held the positions of Treasurer and Deputy Chair of the Shanghai Chamber and Chaired the Chamber’s Financial Services industry committee. His sector expertise lies in financial services and agribusiness / food, with his lived experience in Asia providing valuable insights for clients seeking to trade and invest cross-border.

On returning to Australia, Danny spent time at Oliver Hume Property Funds as General Manager International prior to joining SW, where he served as Managing Director from October 2017 to December 2021.

Danny currently works predominantly with the firm’s foreign bank clients and exporters / businesses seeking to do business in Asia. He also supports foreign companies operating in Australia in formal governance roles as Resident Director and Resident Public Officer, working closely with international businesses establishing or expanding their presence in Australia.

The post Danny Armstrong appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

Prior to joining SW, Bessie was appointed the Chief Financial Officer for an ASX listed mining company which equipped her with extensive corporate governance and risk management experience.

Bessie has a wealth of professional experience and an extensive background in accounting, audit and management.

Bessie’s experience includes:

• Understanding both Australian accounting standards (AIFRs) and PRC GAAPs. Bessie has been qualified for Australia and China’s CPA for more than 10 years and 16 years respectively. She is familiar with PRC GAAPs and international financial reporting standards (IFRS)
• Knowledge in managing international companies. Bessie has led auditing and advisory engagements involving national and international companies.
• Understanding the financial impact and risk management perspectives of sales and purchase agreements
• Liaising with ASIC and responding to ASIC’s financial reporting surveillance inspection requirements

Bessie is a Partner of SW Audit and a Director of SW Accountants & Advisors Pty Ltd.

The post Bessie Zhang, Partner appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

While Australian producers have outstanding business opportunities and long-term capital growth potential, the agricultural sector is not without challenges – from water management to traceability, unpredictable weather patterns to logistics and from investment to export. Your needs across these are understood by our dedicated team of agribusiness advisors and accountants.

Leading providers of advisory, audit and tax services, the SW team works with a wide range of operators in the wine, beef, grain, wool, dairy farming and fruit growing businesses in the Australian market. Our experts support you by remaining at the forefront of key sector issues through our involvement with a range of industry organisations.

With our proximity to Asian economies of scale and extensive free trade agreements across the globe, agriculture and its associated business sector plays a significant role in the Australian economy. There is also significant international investment interest across the entire agricultural supply chain.  

Our Agribusiness services

We consistently provide value-add opportunities to connect with, and learn from, others in the industry. 

Industry Associations & Sponsorships

ICCWS Partner Celebration 2026

The post Agribusiness | Agriculture appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.

With a national plan in place to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response to allow visits to regional areas, plus the festive season fast approaching, it is anticipated the wine sector will see a massive increase in sales and visits to their wineries. We’ll be exploring the issues and long-run opportunities for Australian winemakers to make it more than a sugar rush with real life consumer data and insights from a range of experts!

Join us and experts as we explore:

• Consumer wine behaviour trends before, during and after lockdown
• How wineries can attract visitors and convert them into long term customers
• How wineries can create a more stable and sustainable business over the long term
• What grants are available and how to access them.

Your guides online

Tom Mullarkey Partner, SW	Mark O’Callaghan Managing Director, Wine Network Consulting	Sam Morris Director, SW
Robin Shaw Founder & Lead Consultant, Wine Tourism Australia	Michael Whitehead Head of Agribusiness Insights, ANZ

The post Spotlight | Wine Tourism – The Great Reopening appeared first on SW Accountants & Advisors.