26 January 2010

Minister congratulates Tax Commissioner on Australia Day award

The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, has congratulated the Commissioner of Taxation, Mr Michael D'Ascenzo, on being named in the Australia Day honours List.

Mr D'Ascenzo has been made an Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia "for service to public administration, particularly through reform and innovative engagement with the taxation profession and other Government agencies".

Mr D'Ascenzo has been Commissioner of Taxation since 1 January 2006.

"The Commissioner of Taxation is an important role in public administration and this honour recognises Michael's hard work and innovation in the four years he's held the position," the Assistant Treasurer said.

"Michael has been with the Tax office for 33 years, after starting as a graduate, and has dedicated himself to improving the tax system and making it fair for all Australians."

"He is also a great example to the 16,500 migrants who have become Australian citizens on this Australia Day – as he himself came to this country as a child from Italy."