Chair, Board of Taxation

Synopsis
ABOUT THE BOARD OF TAXATION
The Board of Taxation (Board) was established in September 2000 as a non-statutory advisory body charged with contributing a business and broader community perspective to improving the design of taxation laws and their operation.
The Board undertakes in-depth reviews and, when requested by the Government, provides input on tax policy and law design matters in real-time, as decisions are being made.
About The Role
The Chair of the Board leads the Board in providing high-level, independent advice to the Treasurer on the design, integrity and functioning of Australia’s taxation laws and system, drawing on a business and broader community perspective. The Chair ensures the Board fulfils its mission to contribute constructively to tax policy and law design processes and reports annually to the Treasurer on the Board’s performance and operations.
Leadership & Governance

• Lead the Board in fulfilling its Charter mission to improve the design and operation of taxation laws through high-quality advice to the Treasurer.
• Provide strategic leadership that builds consensus among Board members with diverse expertise from business, tax professions and government.
• Chair all Board meetings and ensure deliberations are effective, balanced and focused on the Board’s statutory advisory responsibilities.
• Foster a culture of integrity, transparency and constructive challenge.
  

Advisory And Reporting Functions

• Oversee the development of advice and recommendations on:
• • the quality and effectiveness of tax legislation and its development processes;
  • improvements to the integrity and functioning of the taxation system;
  • research studies and other matters referred by the Treasurer.
• Represent the Board in discussions with the Treasurer and Treasury ministers, Treasury officials, the Australian Taxation Office and external stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Prepare and present the annual report from the Chair to the Treasurer on the Board’s performance, outcomes and operations.
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Promote engagement with business, professional and community sectors to inform the Board’s advice and broaden its perspectives.
• Act as an ambassador for the Board in public and professional forums, representing the Board’s role and work program.
• Encourage collaborative working relationships with other advisory bodies and tax policy stakeholders.
  

Governance, Risk & Integrity

• Ensure Board operations adhere to the Board’s Charter and governance framework, including compliance with confidentiality and conflict-of-interest policies.
• Promote good governance practices, including rigorous review of Board processes, and encourage continuous improvement in Board operations based on annual performance reporting.
  

SELECTION CRITERIA
Shapes strategic thinking

• Able to bring a strategic perspective to the understanding of the operation of the taxation system and the development of tax policy.
• Able to interpret complex tax issues and underlying taxation laws and assess the policy impact of any changes.
• Able to set strategic direction and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Able to oversee the Board’s Secretariat and internal policies to ensure they are aligned with the Board’s objectives.
  

Achieves results

• Able to develop and deliver high quality and effective policy advice.
• Ensures timely closure and delivery of intended outcomes.
• Able to build and enhance organisational capability and responsiveness.
• Displays strong change management skills and able to drive change where necessary.
  

Exemplifies personal drive and integrity

• Demonstrated professionalism, impartiality and integrity that would maintain the high standing of the Board.
• Recognises where a conflict of interest may arise, is able to pro-actively manage that conflict and complies wit the Board’s Managing Conflicts of Interest Policy.
• Displays strong leadership skills and commitment to action.
• Shows judgement, intelligence and common sense.
• Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development.
  

Cultivates productive working relationships

• Has a collaborative and inclusive style and can cultivate productive relationships.
• Respects and values the views of others, both internal and external.
• Can facilitate a constructive working relationship with other Board members, the ATO professional associations and tax practitioners, and the wider tax community.
• Inspires a sense of purpose and direction.
  

Communicates with influence

• Able to represent the Board in dealing with tax practitioners, professional associations, government and the community.
• Able to represent the Board in external stakeholder engagements and speaking events.
• Able to interact authoritatively with boards and senior management.
  

Expertise in Tax and Public Policy

• Qualifications in a tax-related discipline.
• Senior experience either in professional practice or a sector-leading role evidencing a deep understanding of taxation law, policy development and the broader tax system.
  

Desirable Qualifications / Experience

• Prior governance experience on public, non-profit or professional advisory boards.
• Understanding of the Australian tax ecosystem, including legislative processes and public policy consultation.
  

How To Apply
Your application should be lodged with Amanda O’Rourke Executive Search via email at admin@amandaorourke.com.au
As part of your application you will need to provide:

• your current resume of no more than four pages
• a ‘two page pitch’ describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role
• if possible, please provide details of at least two referees on the application form. Treasury will discuss any referee contact with you prior to approaching your referees.
  

For further information regarding this vacancy, please refer to the Position Description.
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