Applications For Appointment To New Australian Tax Practitioners Board

by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong

08 May 2009

Australia's Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, has announced that the government is seeking applications from suitable individuals for appointment to the country's new Tax Practitioners Board.

The Board will be the statutory body established under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 responsible for regulating the provision of tax agent services. It will replace the existing state-based Tax Agents' Boards which are currently responsible for the registration of tax agents.

The Board will administer the system for the registration of tax agents and Business Activity Statement (BAS) agents, examine applications for registration, investigate conduct that may breach the Act, impose administrative sanctions for non-compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct established under the Act and issue interpretive and other guidelines.

During the transitional period until the end of 2009, Board members will undertake preparatory work, such as developing guidelines and establishing the systems, processes and procedures required for the Board to perform its regulatory role.

The Board will consist of a Chair and at least six other members appointed through the government's merit-based and transparent process for the selection of statutory office holders.

Board members will have an understanding of the role played by tax agents and BAS agents, knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the Board's functions and excellent communication skills, and will be of high standing in their profession and the community.

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