Canberra Appoints New Inspector General Of Taxation

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

05 August 2003

The Australian Federal Revenue Minister Helen Coonan this week announced the creation of a new Inspector General of Taxation post, which will be filled by Sydney-based tax consultant David Vos.

Vos's role will be to act as an independent advisor to the government, with a particular focus on improving and streamlining the tax system. The post is initially for a five year period, and Vos will periodically make recommendations to the government on how administration can be improved.

Commenting on the appointment, Senator Coonan was quoted by The Age as explaining that the main purpose of the new role was to "act in a quick and responsive fashion to cut through red tape and advise the government on problems in the taxation system."

"I am confident the expertise of Mr Vos on technical and administrative aspects of the tax system coupled with his understanding of practical tax payer experiences with the system will ensure his success in the role," said Coonan of the new Inspector General, who has worked in the ATO and clocked up 20 years as a partner at accounting firm, Coopers and Lybrand.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) praised the government's move and called on Mr Vos to be a "champion of reform."

"The Institute congratulates the government for making an outstanding appointment to this critical role," ICAA chief executive Stephen Harrison told The Age.

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