Influencer Considers Leaving Australia Over Tax Burden
Byron Bay-based social media personality Ruby Tuesday Matthews has stated her intention to leave Australia with her partner due to dissatisfaction with the country's tax system.
Influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews, 33, announced on Thursday that she and her partner, Shannan Dodd, are considering relocating their family from Byron Bay to Hong Kong.
Matthews stated that she is "90 percent sure" they will move, citing business growth opportunities abroad. Dodd added that their businesses would "thrive a lot more overseas."
Matthews expressed frustration with Australia's tax system, claiming that she and Dodd "give all of our money to the bloody government" despite working harder than ever. The couple operates four companies, including the fashion brand Robey and the jewelry brand Toujours. Matthews lamented that their demanding work schedule prevents them from spending time with their children or taking proper holidays.
The comments come amid ongoing discussions in Australia regarding the taxation of businesses and high-income earners. Australian companies are subject to a 30% corporate tax rate, with a reduced rate of 25% for eligible small businesses with an annual turnover below $50 million. Company tax is separate from personal income tax, meaning an individual's total tax liability depends on their business structure and profit distribution.
Matthews has recently been in the headlines for other personal matters. In August, she underwent a $16,000 facelift in South Korea. Following this, she shared tearful videos detailing her recovery, a mounting work schedule, and grief over the recent death of her close friend, Byron Bay property developer Myles Trainor, who died in June.
Matthews also revealed she had experienced a failed dilation and curettage procedure requiring emergency surgery. She described feeling overwhelmed by personal struggles, professional demands, and financial obligations, exacerbated by her ADHD. She noted that social media often does not reflect the full reality of people's lives.
She further stated that she had not felt like herself since experiencing postnatal depression and was struggling with emotional regulation, a challenge she attributes partly to her neurodiversity. Matthews emphasized that she was sharing her experiences to be honest about the difficulties of life, not to seek sympathy.