Leon Loganathan, Ward Keller

Leon Loganathan has been practising state taxation since 1994.

His legal career began in Darwin where he completed his law degree and then spent two years advising the Territory Revenue Office (TRO) on tax legislation and developing his expertise in stamp duty and payroll tax. During that time, he also completed a Master of Laws with a focus on stamp duty.

From 1997 Leon spent five years in Sydney and one in Brisbane in the taxation division of global accounting firm, Ernst & Young. He headed up the firm’s national stamp duty practice for a year before returning to Darwin in 2003 to join Ward Keller.

Leon provides stamp duty on complex corporate restructures, as well as mergers and acquisitions. His point of difference is his solid knowledge of Northern Territory government tax policy and strong professional relationship with the TRO.

Matters Leon has provided stamp duty advice on include:

• Conoco Phillips Bayu-Udan gas pipeline
• Darwin to Alice Springs railway
• SKYCITY casino and resort
• Darwin Waterfront development
• Property developments
• Mining and onshore gas projects

He also advises on payroll tax and assists clients prepare for audits, make voluntary disclosures, request private rulings on complex issues and prepare objections.

Leon is active in lobbying the Northern Territory government on tax policy.

As a speaker, Leon has delivered several presentations for professional bodies, including the Taxation Institute of Australia, the Real Estate Institute of the Northern Territory, the Urban Development Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Conveyancers.

Leon has lectured in business law at Charles Darwin University and has been an author of the Lexis Nexis Australian Stamp Duties Law Reporter. He is considered a leader in the field of state taxation in the Northern Territory.