The Tax Institute appoints former ATO Second Commissioner Andrew Mills as Director, Tax Policy and Technical

SYDNEY, Thursday May 14, 2020: The Tax Institute has announced the appointment of Andrew Mills CTA (Life) as Director, Tax Policy and Technical.

The decision forms part of the Institute’s commitment to support the voice of tax professionals against the backdrop of COVID-19 challenges, while building on The Tax Institute’s already significant level of tax technical expertise to help achieve better tax outcomes.

With more than 40 years’ experience and a long association with The Tax Institute, most notably as President from 2006 – 2007, Andrew stepped down as Second Commissioner at the Australian Tax Office (ATO) at the end of last year.* The Tax Institute’s President, Peter Godber, said Andrew joins The Tax Institute at a crucial time that will serve to reassure members that someone of his stature and experience will be leading our Tax Policy and Technical endeavours in the months and years ahead.

“High-level advocacy is a great asset for members, and positioning The Tax Institute as the premier tax professional body requires us to actively engage with key regulator and stakeholder bodies within our tax community, with a consistently proactive, targeted and valued voice,” Mr Godber said.

“With a deep understanding of this important role of The Tax Institute, Andrew is the right person to lead our tax policy agenda. He brings widely respected thought leadership to the Institute, enabling us to further shape the way we engage with the community on tax policy and tax technical matters. This will cover our engagement with all levels of Government, Federal Treasury, the Australian Taxation Office and regulatory bodies.” “Our immediate priority remains to address the extraordinary economic challenges our members and their clients are facing right now. We are stronger together, and together we will continue to make a difference.”

Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Mills said the role presents an exciting opportunity to expand The Tax Institute’s role and contribution to the tax policy and technical areas, at an important and challenging time when tax practitioners need the most support.

“The pressure is on tax practitioners to stay abreast of the rapid shifts and changes to Australia’s legal and regulatory landscape, as the Australian Government continues its tax reform efforts,” Mr Mills said. “The Tax Institute is the premier tax body that will amplify the voice of tax professionals, recommend improvements to the tax system, and lead the charge to help the tax community navigate through these difficult times.”

Andrew’s appointment follows shortly after The Tax Institute's recent announcement of Robyn Jacobson CTA, who joined The Tax Institute as Senior Advocate this week.

Andrew will commence his position on Tuesday 19 May, 2020. 

*EDITORIAL NOTE:
In his years of public service at the ATO, Andrew took overall responsibility for the ATO’s law practice, including law interpretation, dispute prevention and resolution, and the ATO’s role in policy and law design. With his extensive professional background and experience with the ATO, he is very understanding of the many issues our members wish to have ‘on the table’ for discussion and resolution.

Prior to his time as Second Commissioner, Andrew was a Director at Greenwoods & Freehills for more than 20 years and Managing Director of the firm from 2006 to 2011. Andrew is a former Governor of the Taxation Research Foundation. He has also spent time as an in-house corporate advisor, involved in Treasury and ATO engagement on behalf of industry bodies, as well as in a range of roles in the ATO in the 1980s. He is also currently a member of the Australian Executive Committee of the International Fiscal Association and a member of the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute Advisory Board.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Azadeh Williams, Media Relations: azadehwilliams@taxinstitute.com.au

The Tax Institute is the leading forum for the tax community in Australia. Our reach includes membership of 11,000 tax professionals from commerce and industry, academia, government and public practice and 40,000 Australian business leaders, government employees and students. We are committed to representing our members, shaping the future of the tax profession and continuous improvement of the tax system for the benefit of all, through the advancement of knowledge, member support and advocacy. Read more at taxinstitute.com.au