Updated Aug 11, 2026 – 4.00pm, first published at 9.30amBillionaire businessman Ryan Stokes says it is too early to assess the full impact of major tax changes introduced by the Albanese government, warning that serious uncertainty was putting off investment.Stokes made the comments as he unveiled that SGH, the family-controlled industrial conglomerate, had recorded a 35 per cent increase in profits after tax in the last financial year powered by growth in its Boral building materials business. But SGH shares slumped almost 10 per cent on Tuesday after Stokes painted a gloomy picture for the economy and growth.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Stokes says uncertainty has economy in limbo, paints bleak outlook
The billionaire family’s conglomerate saw shares slump almost 10 per cent after it forecast flat growth, despite a big jump in the last financial year.
TL;DRAI
Ryan Stokes warns Australian tax uncertainty is deterring investment; SGH posted 35% profit growth amid broader slowdown concerns. Regulatory ambiguity depresses capex and M&A—material risk for tech leaders planning Australia infrastructure investments.
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