Best Project Finance Lawyers in Australia

About Project Finance Law in Australia

Project finance is a method of funding large infrastructure and industrial projects. In Australia, project finance typically involves the creation of a separate legal entity for the project, with the project's assets and revenue used as collateral for the loan. The finance structure is usually non-recourse or limited recourse, meaning that lenders have limited or no claim to the other assets of the project sponsors if the project fails. Commonly financed projects include energy facilities, transport infrastructure, mining developments, and public-private partnerships.

Australia is recognised for its stable legal and regulatory environment, making it an attractive location for project finance. The law governing such transactions involves a complex interplay between contract law, property law, corporate law, and various regulatory requirements specific to the project's sector.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Project finance transactions involve multiple parties, significant capital, and long-term contractual obligations. You may need a lawyer if you are:

• Developing a major infrastructure project and require financing
• An investor or lender looking to understand your legal risk exposure
• A landowner or government authority involved in a project
• Negotiating project agreements such as concession deeds, EPC contracts, or offtake agreements
• Managing regulatory approvals and compliance with environmental, planning, or foreign investment laws
• Dealing with structuring concerns for tax, security, or risk allocation
• Involved in disputes, restructuring, or refinancing within a project

Legal advice can be crucial in drafting and reviewing contracts, identifying and managing risks, and ensuring the project complies with all relevant Australian laws and regulations.

Local Laws Overview

Australia’s legal system is based on common law, and several key legal aspects influence project finance:

• Security and Collateral: The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) introduces a national regime for registering security interests over personal property.
• Contracts: Detailed contractual frameworks are essential. Key agreements include loan agreements, supply contracts, construction contracts (EPC), and operation and maintenance agreements.
• Regulatory Approvals: Federal, state, and territory governments may require various development, environmental, or planning approvals, especially for major projects.
• Taxation: Australia imposes tax obligations on project structures, such as corporate tax, GST, withholding tax, and potential stamp duties.
• Foreign Investment: The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) assesses certain investments for compliance with federal policy.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): These projects follow a framework established by individual state or territory governments, with their own procurement rules and guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does non-recourse or limited recourse mean in project finance?

Non-recourse means lenders can only claim against the project assets and revenues, not against the sponsors’ other assets, if the project cannot repay its loans. Limited recourse may provide lenders with some additional but restricted claims.

What types of projects are commonly financed through project finance in Australia?

Large-scale infrastructure projects such as power stations, wind and solar farms, mining operations, toll roads, and public infrastructure developments are often financed this way.

What are the main legal risks in Australian project finance?

Risks include regulatory changes, construction delays, cost overruns, lender enforcement rights, security over project assets, and the allocation of liabilities in project contracts.

What government approvals are usually required?

Depending on the project, approvals may include environmental impact assessments, planning permits, foreign investment clearance, and sector-specific permits (like mining or energy generation licenses).

How do public-private partnerships (PPPs) work in Australia?

PPPs involve collaboration between government and private entities to deliver and operate public infrastructure. They are governed by state or territory guidelines and structured to allocate risk and responsibility efficiently.

Can foreign investors participate in Australian project finance?

Yes, subject to foreign investment approval and compliance with relevant laws. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) assesses major investments by non-residents.

How is security over project assets registered?

Security interests in personal property must be registered on the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) to protect the lender's rights and priority if the borrower defaults.

What happens if a project runs into financial trouble?

Project finance structures address this with step-in rights, restructuring options, and insolvency procedures. Legal advice is crucial to navigate defaults or restructuring.

What are the primary tax considerations for project finance in Australia?

Considerations include corporate income tax, goods and services tax (GST), withholding tax on cross-border payments, and potential stamp duty on certain transactions.

Do I need legal advice for smaller projects?

Even for smaller projects, legal advice ensures compliance with laws, proper risk allocation, and protection of your financial interests.

Additional Resources

If you are seeking more information on project finance in Australia, the following resources can be helpful:

• Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) for regulatory information
• Australian Government - Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
• Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB)
• Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for energy sector projects
• State and territory planning departments for infrastructure and environmental approvals
• Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) for foreign investors
• The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)
• Australian Project Finance Association
• Major law firms with dedicated project finance teams

Next Steps

If you believe you require legal assistance for a project finance matter in Australia, consider the following steps:

1. Identify your role and goals within the project (developer, lender, investor, government partner)
2. Prepare relevant documents and a summary of your intended project
3. Seek initial advice from a law firm or legal professional experienced in project finance
4. Discuss fees, timelines, and scope of services upfront
5. Collaborate with your legal team to address regulatory, contractual, and financial structure issues
6. Maintain clear records and correspondence to aid compliance and risk management

Engaging a lawyer early in the process can help avoid delays, legal pitfalls, and unexpected costs, ensuring your project achieves its commercial and legal objectives.