MrWes Hamilton-Jessop

Wes' research investigates the taxation mechanism within Australian corporate groups and how taxation disclosures are purported to enhance transparency and accountability. This research into taxation arrangements explores the interactions between the Australian tax consolidation regime and accounting standards and how corporate groups utilise the tax consolidation regime for income tax and accounting purposes. A facet of his research is the role of taxation within corporate governance arrangements and how initiatives to increase the disclosure of taxation have impacted transparency and accountability.

The Master of Philosophy completed at the University of Sydney focused on the development of tax-grouping arrangements around the world. This included the United States excess profits tax on corporations in 1917 as a mechanism to maximise government revenue during World War I and changes made to the US Revenue Act from 1916 to 1986 to allow for the construction of a tax-consolidated group. Within the Australian context, his thesis examined the tax consolidation regime within Australia following the repeal of the loss transfer and roll-over relief provisions in 2002.

Wes' research follows the construction of Australian tax-group provisions and the reporting requirements under the Australian Accounting Standards following the commencement of tax-consolidation for corporate groups in 2002. The optional, but irrevocable, regime provides for the formation of a tax-consolidated group consisting of a head company and all qualifying subsidiary members. His research utilises document analysis of government and legislative instruments, and corporate disclosures. Data sets used include tax consolidation disclosures by the population of ASX-listed entities and longitudinal studies of tax consolidation disclosures by specific entities.