Inquiry into aspects of agribusiness managed investment schemes

• Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services

Read the full text

17 September 2009Terms of reference

Having regard to the recent collapses of Timbercorp and Great Southern, the Committee inquired into and reported on agribusiness managed investment schemes (MIS), with particular reference to:

1. business models and scheme structures of MIS; 
2. the impact of past and present taxation treatments and rulings related to MIS; 
3. any conflicts of interest for the board members and other directors; 
4. commissions, fees and other remuneration paid to marketers, distributors, related entities and sellers of MIS to investors (including accountants and financial advisers); 
5. the accuracy of promotional material for MIS, particularly information relating to claimed benefits and returns (including carbon offsets); 
6. the range of individuals and organisations involved with the schemes, including the holders of the relevant Australian Financial Services Licence; 
7. the level of consumer education and understanding of these schemes; 
8. the performance of the schemes; 
9. the factors underlying the recent scheme collapses; 
10. the projected returns and supporting information, including assumptions on product price and demand; 
11. the impact of MIS on other related markets; and 
12. the need for any legislative or regulatory change.