As the Australian Government progresses its proposed Capital Gains Tax (CGT) reforms one issue sits at the centre of successful implementation, this being the accurate determination of asset value. Whether establishing baseline values, assessing historical market values, valuing inherited assets, determining the value of fine art and antiques, collectables, and business assets or resolving disputes, the effectiveness of any CGT framework depends upon reliable and defensible valuation evidence.
Recognising the importance of these issues, the Auctioneers and Valuers Association of Australia (AVAA) has formally engaged with the Treasurer, Hon. Jim Chalmers MP, and Treasury officials to ensure that valuation considerations form part of the policy development process. AVAA’s focus is not on advocating for or against the reforms themselves. Rather, it is focused on helping ensure that any future CGT framework is capable of operating effectively, consistently and fairly in practice.
AVAA’s advice to the Treasurer highlighted the critical role of professional valuation in supporting the practical operation of proposed Capital Gains Tax reforms. AVAA has recommended clear valuation guidance, consistent methodologies and recognised competency standards to help taxpayers, advisers and government agencies achieve reliable outcomes.
As Australia’s peak body for professional auctioneers and valuers, AVAA represents specialists working across fine art, antiques, collectables, jewellery, luxury assets, motor vehicles, marine assets, plant and equipment, machinery, business assets, goods and chattels and other tangible asset classes. Collectively, AVAA members undertake tens of thousands of valuations each year across taxation, estate administration, insurance, insolvency, family law, litigation and commercial transactions.
Drawing on this expertise, AVAA has highlighted to Treasury that valuation is not simply an administrative component of CGT reform. It is one of the foundations upon which the practical operation, integrity and public confidence of the system will depend. Poorly defined valuation requirements can create uncertainty, increase compliance costs, generate disputes and undermine confidence in outcomes. Well-designed valuation frameworks can help deliver certainty, consistency and transparency.
AVAA’s advice to the Treasurer emphasises the challenges associated with retrospective valuations, thinly traded asset classes and dispute resolution. AVAA advocates for a practical valuation framework that promotes certainty, transparency and confidence while reducing compliance costs and unnecessary disagreements.
AVAA has also advised the Australian Government of the important role that professional standards, competency requirements and recognised credentials can play in supporting the implementation of any future valuation framework. Through the AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) credential and the AVAA Professional Standards framework, the association has established nationally consistent benchmarks for professional competence, ethical conduct, independence, valuation reporting and continuing professional development.
Importantly, this advocacy is member-driven, with members serving on the AVAA Government Affairs Committee taking the lead.
The expertise being shared with Treasury by AVAA’s members comes directly from professionals working across Australia’s valuation and auction sectors. It reflects practical experience gained in the valuation of fine art and antiques, collectables, motor vehicles, aviation and marine, plus plant and machinery and other asset classes that may be affected by the CGT reforms. This engagement demonstrates AVAA’s significant role in national policy development. Rather than waiting for legislation to be finalised, AVAA is ensuring that the practical realities of asset valuation are considered during the design of the framework itself.
For members, this is a powerful example of the influence that can be achieved through a united professional voice. For the Australian Government, it provides access to specialist expertise that can support effective policy implementation. And for the broader community, it helps ensure that future CGT arrangements are supported by sound valuation practices and professional standards.
As CGT reforms continue to develop, AVAA will remain actively engaged with the Australian Government to ensure that valuation expertise contributes to the creation of a practical, workable and trusted framework. Importantly, AVAA is collaborating with the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) on the CGT reforms to ensure the interests of its members are best protected.
Don’t miss the 2026 Australian Valuers Symposia where the CGT reforms will be discussed in Sydney on 22 October 2026, Melbourne on 20 October 2026, and Brisbane on 23 October 2026. Secure your tickets and register online today.
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Interested In Finding Out More?
If you’re interested in AVAA’s policy advocacy associated with the Capital Gains Tax reforms, government.affairs@avaa.com.au or telephone 1300 928 165. You can also stay up to date by following AVAA on LinkedIn, X/Twitter and Facebook.
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