Has the tax-free incentive been signed off?
The Australian government is yet to sign off on the promised income tax exemption, but Abdo says the players have nothing to worry about.
“It’s completely tax-free in PNG,” Abdo said. “And we’re in the process of confirming the exemption for ensuring that non-resident Australians aren’t taxed in Australia.
“The legislation exists already, and it’s really just around formalising that through the actual package that will be offered to these individuals.”
Residents of other countries will not be entitled to the exemption as the deal is between the Australian and PNG governments.
As a result, New Zealand and England residents will not be financially advantaged by joining the Chiefs, reducing the potential player pool.