D'Ascenzo completes seven-year term
Commissioner of Taxation Michael D'Ascenzo is stepping down from his role at the end of 2012 after a seven-year term, according to a Government statement.
His next role will be as a non-executive member of the Foreign Investment Review Board, where he has been appointed for a five-year period commencing 2 January 2013.
The Government recognised D'Ascenzo's 35 years of public service and his leadership in the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
"Under Mr D'Ascenzo's guidance, the ATO has increased its standing as a leading tax administrator and modern public service organisation. He has made a significant contribution to the administration of our country's tax and superannuation systems, regulation and law enforcement and governance internationally," the Government stated.
"Mr D'Ascenzo has positioned the ATO for a strong future by driving on-line, service, cultural and technological change, and has put the taxpayer at the heart of the ATO's thinking."
D'Ascenzo has also served on the panel of fiscal experts for the International Monetary Fund, contributed to the work of the Study Group on Asian Tax Administration and Research, and from 2008 was a vice-chair of the OECD's Forum on Tax Administration, the Government stated.
He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to public administration.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA) also paid tribute to D'Ascenzo, who won the Institute's Federal Government Leader of the Year Award for 2012.
"During his term over the last seven years as Commissioner, as well as in earlier positions, Mr D'Ascenzo has contributed to a number of reforms which have helped position Australia's tax system and its administration as world-class," ICA chief executive Lee White said.
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