Rhys Guild
Partner, Sydney
As a specialist indirect tax lawyer, I assist private sector and government clients to achieve optimal GST outcomes on new commercial and residential developments, major infrastructure projects and international mergers and acquisitions.

I bring a balanced, solutions-focused mindset – GST can be an enabler of transactions instead of serving as a roadblock.

I’m proud to have worked with many of my clients for more than 15 years. My experience ranges from appearing before the High Court to conducting site visits wearing gumboots and a hard hat – because understanding my clients’ business helps me provide the best service.

I have been recognised as a leading tax lawyer and customs and excise lawyer by Best Lawyers since 2010 and as a leading tax lawyer by Chambers Asia-Pacific since 2014. As a member of the Property Council of Australia’s GST Committee and the Law Council of Australia’s Tax Subcommittee, I am often asked to consult on prospective Australian Taxation Office positions, and have the opportunity to represent my clients’ views on policy issues before decisions are made.

Career highlights

  • AMP – advised on the new Quay Quarter Sydney development in central Sydney
  • Australian Unity – worked on its Herston Quarter development in Brisbane
  • The University of Sydney – advised on its Queen Mary and Abercrombie student accommodation facilities, totalling more than 4,000 beds
  • American Express – represented the company in its GST litigation before the Full Bench of the Federal Court of Australia and the High Court of Australia
  • Aveo Group – helped with its acquisition of Freedom Aged Care’s retirement village operations
  • Singapore Telecommunications Limited – advised the company on the sale of its coaxial cable assets to NBN Co Limited
  • NSW Treasury – advised on the privatisation of Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle
  • Reserve Bank of Australia – counselled the bank on its operations and services to Commonwealth agencies
  • Transport for NSW – worked with the authority to appoint a private operator for Sydney Ferries
  • UrbanGrowth NSW – advised on the disposal of the South Western Sydney Portfolio