I wish to announce that Mr Dale Boucher PSM has advised the Australian Government that he does not wish to seek appointment for another three to five year term when his current period as Chair of the Tax Practitioners Board concludes.
Mr Boucher was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the first national Tax Practitioners Board in October 2009 and his current term will end on 1 November 2012.
On behalf of the Australian Government I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Boucher for his dedicated public service including as inaugural Chair of the Tax Practitioners Board.
Under Mr Boucher's leadership the Board has overseen the development of a national regulatory framework and registration system for tax professionals. In a relatively short period of time, the Board has successfully achieved broad awareness in the tax profession of the registration requirements of the new regime.
The Board has also taken steps to better protect the community by requiring registered agents to hold professional indemnity insurance cover from 1 July 2011.
The Tax Practitioners Board replaced the existing State-based Tax Agents Board and is responsible for regulating the provisions of tax agent services, including BAS agent services, across all Australian States and Territories in accordance with the Tax Agent Services Act 2009.
The Government will conduct a merit-based selection process for membership of the Board, including the Chair.