I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Andrew AO yesterday.
Michael was a highly respected member of the business and tax community and made a significant contribution to improving Australia’s tax system.
Michael had a long, distinguished career in business both domestically and on the global stage. He was Chairman and CEO of KPMG International from May 2011 to July 2014 – the first Australian to be CEO of one of the Big Four accounting firms. He was the Chair of the Australian B20 Working Group on Anti-Corruption and Transparency and its Global CEO Forum, and he was a member of the Business Council of Australia and the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum.
Alongside Michael’s career in business and other charitable pursuits, he made a substantial contribution to the advancement of tax policy in Australia. Michael was appointed Chair of the Board of Taxation in January 2015 and Chair of the Black Economy Taskforce in December 2016.
Under Michael’s chair, the Board has made valuable contributions on a range of issues spanning the tax system, with Michael bringing a real focus on simplification and red tape reduction.
He also leaves a significant legacy with his Black Economy Taskforce report recommendations. The cash economy has been a long standing problem, but it was Michael’s drive and leadership that moved the conversation forward. We are now seeing the results of the innovative, multi-layered approach that Michael championed.
Michael’s ambition was to make the tax system fairer for all Australians and leave it in better shape for future generations. Michael’s legacy will continue well in to the future.
On a personal level over the number of years I have known Michael I have always found him profoundly decent, professional and possessing a strong sense of public duty.
I wish to express our deepest condolences to his wife Mardi, and his daughters Danielle and Monique. I’d also like to record our heartfelt appreciation for the time and effort Michael gave to the advancement of taxation policy in Australia.