The IPA has a full agenda for 2020, but among its priorities is a push for a review of the governance structure of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), said the CEO of the IPA Group Andrew Conway.
“The rationale is that it’s not meant to be disrespectful of the incumbent, Chris Jordan, but the Commissioner of Taxation is an immensely important and increasingly powerful position, and I’m not sure that having a single person at the head of the is sensible,” said Mr Conway.
Looking towards the UK, Mr Conway explained that the ATO’s equal the HMRC, has a panel of around seven statutory commissioners, and while there’s someone who chairs it, there is a clear “flattening of the structure”.
“The reason I think this is important, and it’s not just change for change’s sake, but I actually think it will be an enabler to a much deeper and sustainable changing culture at the ATO.
“I’m not suggesting they haven’t changed a lot. They have. But I think to continue the change program, there needs to be a review of the governance direction. The last time that happened was when Joe Hockey was Treasurer and some recommendations around flattening the structure haven’t really seen the light of day since.”
Admitting that his words may damage his popularity in the ATO, Mr Conway said he believes that a shake-up could lead to a “fundamental shift” within the Tax Office.
“Having a panel of responsible people, essentially reporting to Parliament, will assist the way it operates.”
Also, in 2020, the IPA will continue its efforts to close the advice gap, to increase small business productivity and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.
“We’ll be continuing to push very strongly to change the approach on the qualified accountants’ financial services licence (or registration), to reopen that market to accountants, but more importantly to clients.
“We’re also very firm on pushing the angle around small business productivity to increase productivity growth, which builds on our White Paper theme.
“And then finally, if you like, the area of mental wellbeing of small business owners and accountants, which will continue to be in the spotlight and we’ll continue to bring into focus,” said Mr Conway.
He added that the IPA is genuinely focused on representing the views of its members.
“IPA members are genuinely very proud of our brand. They’re passionate about it. Part of the way we maintain that, and it’s not contrived or something we do in a deliberate way, is the respect we have for them.
“Respecting the fact that members have a view, although sometimes we might disagree on policy grounds. So, we never take them for granted.”
