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| Foreign Investment Review Board Approvals |
| The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) advises the Australian Government on foreign investment policy issues. The Treasurer is ultimately responsible for policy and proposal decisions. |
Foreign interests, desirous of investing in Australia, must be aware that certain types of investment proposals require the FIRB's prior approval. The Government must be notified of the following types of proposal:
- An acquisition of a substantial interest in an existing Australian business, whose total assets exceed $50 million;
- An acquisition of a substantial interest in an existing Australian business, which is valued above $50 million in the proposal;
- A proposal to set up a new business, which involves a total investment of $10 million or more;
- A portfolio investment in the media which is valued at five percent or more;
- A non-portfolio investment of any size;
- A takeover of an offshore company with Australian subsidiaries or assets of $50 million or more;
- A takeover of an offshore company with Australian subsidiaries or assets which make up more than 50 percent of the target company's global assets;
- A direct investment by a foreign government or its agencies;
- Certain acquisitions of interests in urban land;
- Any proposal where a doubt exists as to whether notification to the Government is required.
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