Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews says she is considering leaving Australia permanently, joining a growing number of Australians weighing up a move overseas.
The 33-year-old mother of three shared the update during an Instagram Q&A on Thursday, revealing that she and her partner, Shannan Dodd, were exploring a relocation to Hong Kong.
“I’m going to say 90 percent sure we’re going,” Ruby told her followers.
Shannan, who was beside her during the Q&A, agreed that the move could benefit their businesses. “I think that we should definitely [move]… because our business will thrive a lot more overseas.”
Ruby also used the discussion to criticise Australia’s tax system, saying that the couple felt they were surrendering a significant portion of their earnings despite working harder than ever.
“Well, realistically, we give all of our money to the bloody government and we work harder than we’ve ever worked in our life,” she said.
Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews, 33, says she and her partner Shannan Dodd are considering moving their family to Hong Kong
The couple runs four companies between them, including fashion label Robey and fine jewellery brand Toujours, Ruby explained.
“And we don’t even get to see our kids, let alone go on a proper holiday or like do anything, and we give everything to the government,” she complained, as Shannan nodded in agreement.
Their remarks come as Australia’s tax arrangements remain a source of debate among business owners and high-income earners, particularly around the distinction between personal income tax and company tax.
Australian companies generally pay a corporate tax rate of 30 per cent. Eligible small businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $50 million may qualify for the lower 25 per cent rate.
Company tax is separate from the personal income tax individuals pay, so a business owner’s total tax position depends on how the company is structured and how its profits are distributed.
Ruby recently returned from South Korea, where she underwent a $16,000 facelift in August.
She later attracted attention during her recovery after posting a tearful video about her demanding work schedule and the grief she was experiencing following the death of her best friend, Byron Bay property developer Myles Trainor.
Trainor, 41, died in June and left behind two young sons. Ruby had previously paid tribute to her close friend, who was also the godfather of her daughter, Holiday.
Ruby said she and Shannan Dodd (right) felt they were handing over much of their income to the government despite working harder than ever
“And we don’t even get to see our kids, let alone go on a proper holiday or like do anything, and we give everything to the government,” Ruby said as Shannan nodded along
She also disclosed that she had experienced complications after a failed dilation and curettage procedure, known as a D&C, and subsequently required emergency surgery.
“Just been through some of the biggest changes as of late, losing my best friend, which I think has just really hit me, having a D&C that failed and then having to have an emergency surgery which hormonally has f**ked me,” she said.
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Ruby said the combination of her personal losses, health struggles and professional commitments had left her feeling overwhelmed.
‘Working with the most insane deadlines. I’m struggling so much in motherhood and navigating my children,’ she said.
‘And on top of that, being someone who is neurodiverse myself and having ADHD, I’ve always felt like emotional regulation, extremely hard.’
Ruby added that she has been feeling overwhelmed by ‘financial obligations’ as well as her recent decision to part ways with her management.
She stressed that she was not sharing the video to receive sympathy or messages of reassurance, but rather to be honest about how difficult life could become.
‘There’s so many other people who reach the end of their tether,’ she said.
Ruby recently returned from a trip to South Korea, where she underwent a $16,000 facelift in August. (Pictured immediately after her facelift)
She subsequently made headlines during her recovery after she uploaded a tearful video complaining about her mounting work schedule, while expressing grief for the recent loss of her best friend, Byron Bay property developer Myles Trainor
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‘And I just wanted to say that, like, I feel you and I’m a normal person too.’
The influencer, who has previously spoken publicly about her mental health, said she believed people often forgot that the lives presented on social media did not tell the full story.
Ruby also spoke about the physical toll of undergoing surgery, saying she felt exhausted while trying to continue working overseas.
In another emotional video, she said she had not felt like herself since experiencing postnatal depression.
‘I’m at this weird point, I haven’t felt since kind of like having postnatal depression where I’m in such a weird headspace and usually I can get myself out of it,’ she said.
‘But I’m obviously overseas and I have to go to work an hour and pack my suitcase and keep going.’
Ruby said her demanding schedule had left her feeling as though she could barely catch her breath.
‘I’m just at the point of overwhelm,’ she reiterated, adding: ‘I know I have people I can reach out to, but I’m feeling so f**king alone. And I’m feeling pretty lost.’