21 July 2017

Appointment of members to the Tax Practitioners Board

The Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, has appointed Mr Peter de Cure and Ms Ria Sotiropoulos, and reappointed Ms Julie-Anne Berry, as part-time members to the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB), each for a three-year period.

“The TPB is responsible for regulating the provision of tax agent services across all Australian States and Territories as provided for in the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 Act,” Minister O’Dwyer said.

“The Board’s statutory functions include administering the registration of tax agents, BAS agents and tax financial advisors, investigating breaches of the Act, and imposing sanctions for non-compliance with the Act’s Code of Professional Conduct.”

Mr de Cure has experience in taxation matters developed over a 25 year career with KPMG. He brings to the TPB strong technical skills in taxation, finance, accounting and practical business knowledge across many industries and an expert understanding of the challenges faced in the administration of the Australian taxation system and the work of taxation practitioners.

Ms Sotiropoulos has practiced as a Tax Barrister at the Victorian Bar for nine years and will bring extensive tax and law experience to the TPB. She has significant experience in advising a wide range of clients in roles at large law firms and also as a senior taxation consultant at large accounting firms.

Ms Berry has been a member of the TPB since January 2016 and has brought strong expertise and experience in financial planning to the TPB. She is Managing Director of Berry Financial Services and has chaired the Institute of Financial Advisers, New Zealand.

The appointments and reappointment continue the high level of skills and experience available to the TPB, ensuring that the TPB has appropriately qualified members to deal with the differing issues which are raised.

“I would like to express my appreciation to these members and also to the current and outgoing members for their commitment to the TPB. Their skills and experience will help ensure that the TPB continues to provide valuable service to the community,” Minister O’Dwyer said.