Shorten flags appointment of inaugural chair of independent tax advisory board

Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten has flagged the appointment of an inaugural chair to a soon-to-be established independent tax advisory board, saying the tax system needs to be better at listening.

Speaking before the final session of the Government’s tax forum, Shorten said the ATO is a world leader in tax administration but there’s room for improvement.

“The tax system needs to be better at listening, be more transparent,” Shorten said.

“It’s our government’s belief that a tax system advisory board can add value to the administration of the tax system and enhance the reputation of the ATO as a world-leading administration.” 

He flagged the announcement of the inaugural chair and said the Government-appointed board would come from a range of different organisations and contain expertise in tax and business. 

The body would be independent of the ATO, Shorten said, and was recommended by the Henry tax review.