Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia
Ranked Individuals
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
The firm’s tax team is focused on being the core tax advisor (across the lifecycle of any tax issue) to our clients. Our clients seek our assistance to handle all of their tax matters, given our responsiveness, bespoke collaborative offering, deep tax experience and bench strength. We offer our clients a full-service capability across all tax advisory, investigatory and disputes work. Clients value the insights we provide from entrenched relationships with tax authorities across the region, including governments, the Australian Taxation office (ATO), State and Territory Revenue Offices (SROs) and state and federal Treasuries.
Reflecting the international footprint of our clients, our coordinated tax network responds to our clients’ cross-border needs. As distinct from other leading tax teams, our clients appreciate our partner-led, hands-on approach to their tax matters.
We act for a wide range of clients across all sectors, with particular experience assisting inbound investors acquiring Australian investments.
Provided by Chambers
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer provides comprehensive advice on taxation in connection with corporate transactions and restructuring. The law firm advises on stamp duty and land tax implications for schemes of arrangement, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, as well as providing guidance on tax aspects of fund formations and mergers. It also represents clients in disputes with the tax authorities.
Provided by Chambers
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer advised Chemist Warehouse on compliance with stamp duty laws across multiple jurisdictions following its takeover by Sigma Healthcare.
Provided by Chambers
Their responsiveness is always strong. They convey a feeling of being their only client.
They're very positive and proactive in communication. They know what I need and communicate effectively, which means I don't need to drive the project.
Provided by Chambers
Hugh Paynter is based in Sydney and focuses on tax controversy issues, advising clients on a broad range of disputes, including those arising in the areas of payroll tax, GST, tax avoidance, ore royalties and R&D grants.
He really cut to the chase and was adept at reading through the lines. He doesn't get stuck in the technical issues.
Hugh provides calm, considered advice, which really helps us navigate complex tax disputes.
Toby Eggleston is based in the firm's Melbourne office and is noted for his advice to Australian financial institutions on the tax implications of mergers and acquisitions.
Toby offers technical tax advice in a practical and easy-to-understand manner. This allows us to move forward with real, tangible next steps to implementation, which is not to be underestimated.
Toby is a reliable adviser who demonstrates a strong understanding of our business.
Ryan Leslie is building a strong reputation for his advice on the tax aspects of corporate transactions, with particular regard to income tax and stamp duty.
Ryan finds the balance of being deeply technical and deeply commercial.
Ryan is great to work with and deal with. He is very responsive and commercially aware.
Tax
Tax
Tax
Provided by Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Hugh Paynter
View profile of Hugh PaynterRyan Leslie
View profile of Ryan LeslieGlobal 2026
Practice area: Tax
Location: Global: Multi-Jurisdictional
View department profile for Global 2026
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