The Federal Government will announce tomorrow the appointment of the inaugural Inspector-General of Taxation.
The role of the Inspector-General will be to ensure a fairer taxation system that is more responsive to the concerns of taxpayers.
The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan, said the appointment fills a gap in existing arrangements for reviewing systemic tax administration
"The Inspector-General will be a new advocate for taxpayers and an independent adviser to Government with broad powers to review tax administration," Senator Coonan said.
"Our objective is to introduce an effective advocate who can act in a fast and responsive fashion to cut through red tape and provide advice often initiated by taxpayers to the Government on problems identified in the taxation system," Senator Coonan said.
"Reviews can also be initiated by the Inspector-General, or can be requested or directed by a Treasury Minister, by resolution of either or both Houses of Federal Parliament, or a Parliamentary Committee, or at the request of the Commissioner of Taxation."
Senator Coonan said a report last year by the Board of Taxation found strong support among business taxpayers, the advising professions and the community for introducing an Inspector-General in fulfillment of a promise by this Government at the last election.
Senator Coonan said the inaugural Inspector-General is a person who has a sound understanding of tax administration and the needs of taxpayers with first hand appreciation of business practices and Government processes.
"I am confident the inaugural Inspector-General will enjoy the confidence of the business community and all tax system stakeholders," Senator Coonan said.