Melanie’s focus at MJA is in developing and managing relationships with key stakeholders both within and external to our business, and in managing the integration of our statebranches into a national practice. As Managing Partner her role is to navigate MJA and our clients through the intricacies of the R&D Tax Incentive, while ensuring that MJA continues to deliver a high level of care and attention to detail.
Melanie has been assisting companies identify opportunities to claim government incentives and attract grants for research and development since 2000. She has successfully prepared and defended R&D tax claims for companies of all sizes, from start ups to multinationals, across the full gamut of Australian technology industries. Melanie has also helped many MJA clients to major success in the completion and review of grant applications under the Climate Ready, Commercial Ready, REDI, ICIP, Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund and R&D Start programs.
Melanie was an integral part of MJA’s lobbying efforts in the lead up to the introduction of the R&D Tax Incentive. These efforts included providing assistance on submissions for the Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council, appearing before the Senate Economics Legislation Committee and meeting with senior policy officials from Treasury, the Innovation Department and the ATO.
Melanie holds a degree in biological sciences and a Graduate Diploma in biotechnology. She has also completed a Certificate in Applied Tax, is an Associate of the Tax Institute, and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.