Mr Zhang’s Case and the Records
This website presents Mr Zhang’s story, his proposed High Court appeal grounds and the supporting records. Explore the case, read the articles and examine the documents to form your own view. Those who know him or can contribute relevant knowledge or assistance are welcome to help.
Who Is Mr Li Zhang?
Born in 1963, Mr Li Zhang spent ten years of his childhood in a mountain village in northeast China during the Cultural Revolution. He entered the institute now known as Xidian University in 1980 and later worked in government employment in Beijing. He went on to study at other tertiary institutions and undertake various forms of training, but Xidian has always held the most cherished place in his educational journey.
He arrived in Australia on 6 January 1990 and became an Australian citizen on 20 July 1994. As an investor, developer and licensed builder, he invested in, developed and built more than 50 property projects across New South Wales, including Kogarah Town Square and the Hunter Valley resort originally known as Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, now Rydges Resort Hunter Valley.
What Happened?
A dispute with off-the-plan buyers at Newcastle’s Azure development arose in late 2005. ATO audits began in February 2006. Tax demands, debt recovery and bank enforcement followed, preceding the collapse of Mr Zhang’s remaining businesses in 2009–2010. He maintains that the tax debts claimed by the ATO were false.
After pursuing projects in China, he settled in New Zealand in 2015. Arrested in Auckland in April 2019 and extradited to Australia that September, he spent three years on remand, including during COVID-19, before obtaining bail.
He represented himself throughout a ten-and-a-half-month trial ending in October 2023. Convicted and sentenced to ten years, with a non-parole period of six years and eight months, he remains in custody and is due for release on 27 May 2027.
Seeking High Court Review
The NSW Court of Criminal Appeal (CCA) dismissed Mr Zhang’s appeal in February 2026. He intends to apply to the High Court of Australia for special leave to appeal.
The three proposed grounds concern abuse of power, an unfair trial through impermissible and excessive judicial intervention, and errors of law. They address the alleged conversion of the tax dispute into a criminal prosecution, unlawful warrants and extradition; interventions and restrictions affecting the defence and jury’s access to evidence; and a “delusive onus of proof” and the use of allegedly false documents. Readers are invited to examine each ground alongside the supporting records.
Why This Website—and How to Help
This website brings together Mr Zhang’s story, his proposed appeal grounds and the supporting documents. It welcomes everyone who knows him through education, work, business or friendship, as well as legally minded readers and the wider public. Former classmates, employees, subcontractors, professional advisers and other associates are invited to share their knowledge and contribute. All readers are encouraged to examine and challenge the arguments, inspect the records and form their own views. The website also preserves a personal historical archive.
Support may take the form of encouragement, relevant professional assistance or financial contributions. Please visit the Support page for details of how to contribute and make a payment.
For enquiries, please contact Mr Lawrence Cheung at lawrence.cheung9@outlook.com.
Articles
Explore Lawrence Cheung’s 13-part series on the records and issues behind Mr Zhang’s case.