Welcome to 2018! This year marks my tenth year in office and while it is very tempting to look back upon the achievements of the office during that period, I try not to look back because it can detract from the future. Instead, I’ll list some of the key achievements so far this year and what is in store for us as the year progresses.
In January, we publicly released the PAYGI report, our first targeted review based on intelligence obtained through the complaints handling service. I also delivered a keynote presentation to the 30th Annual Conference of the Australasian Tax Teachers Association.
In February, we lodged key submissions to Treasury’s consultation on the Government’s Tax Debt Transparency initiative and the Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue into areas of potential inquiry.
In March, the review into the ATO’s approach to GST Refunds was completed and delivered to the Minister for Revenue and Financial Services as the report contains a recommendation to Government. The Minister is required to release the report within 25 Parliamentary sitting days.
In April, I will be delivering a plenary session at the University of New South Wales’ Biannual Tax Administration Conference, the theme of which is ‘Tax System Integrity in the Digital Age’.
In May, I will be participating in the 3rd annual International Taxpayer Rights Conference to speak on the issue of early warning and intervention systems in the tax system.
And as we round up to June, all hands will be on deck to prepare for Tax Time 2018 as well as to complete two remaining reviews with the development of a new work program commencing in the next financial year.
I look forward to the great year ahead and to working with all of our stakeholders in delivering improvements to the administration of the tax system.
Ali Noroozi
IGT
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