Australians will have a new advocate for taxpayers and an independent adviser to the Federal Government on tax administration issues with the passing of legislation to create an Inspector-General of Taxation.
The Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan, said the Government's objective was to introduce a new advocate who can act in a quick and responsive fashion to cut through red tape and provide advice for taxpayers to the Government on systemic failings in the taxation system in an effective manner.
"The Board of Taxation found strong support among business taxpayers, the advising professions and the community for the establishment of an Inspector-General."
Senator Coonan said the creation of the position was the fulfilment by the Government of an election promise by the Prime Minister to improve the structures and the governance practices of its Statutory Authorities and Office Holders, especially those that impact on the business community.
The Minister said the Inspector-General will focus on identifying and recommending solutions to systemic problems in tax administration, while the Ombudsman continues to deal with individual taxpayers cases.
Senator Coonan said the Government was keen to progress the appointment of a suitable person as the inaugural Inspector-General of Taxation.
The Inspector-General will need to be a person who has a sound understanding of tax administration and the needs of taxpayers and be able to command the confidence of the business community.