The Government is pleased to announce that Ms Karen Payne has been appointed as the full-time Inspector-General of Taxation. Ms Payne has been appointed for a five-year period from 6 May 2019.
The office of the Inspector-General of Taxation (IGT) is an independent statutory agency that identifies systemic issues in the administration of tax law. It reviews elements of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Tax Practitioners Board’s administration against principles of good tax administration and provides independent advice to government. The IGT also addresses complaints about the administrative actions of these agencies, including the policies and procedures which guide their actions.
Ms Payne will bring substantial private practice and public service experience to the role of Inspector-General. Ms Payne is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Board of Taxation and a member of the Board of Taxation. She is also a member of the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation.
Previously, Ms Payne was a partner with Minter Ellison specialising in corporate and international tax, with extensive experience managing complex tax related matters across the financial services, property, mining, energy and utilities sectors.
Ms Payne holds a Master of Commerce, Legal Studies and Taxation and a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting, Finance and Systems from the University of New South Wales. Ms Payne is a solicitor admitted in New South Wales, holds professional membership to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, is a chartered tax adviser (Taxation Institute of Australia) and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
This appointment will continue the high level of skills and experience available to the office of IGT to help improve the administration of the tax laws for the benefit of all taxpayers.
The Government also wishes to thank Mr Andrew McLoughlin for his contribution as the acting IGT.