11 December 2023

Government appoints Rob Heferen as new Commissioner of Taxation

| Andrew McLaughlin
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Rob Heferen

Rob Heferen will assume the role of Tax Commissioner on 1 March, 2024. Photo: LinkedIn.

Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has announced the appointment of Rob Heferen as the next Commissioner of Taxation for a seven-year term.

Mr Heferen has held the position of chief executive officer of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare since 2021.

He has more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service and has previously worked at the ATO, where he served as the Deputy Secretary of Revenue Group at the Treasury between 2011 and 2016. In that role, he was responsible for tax policy, tax legislation and revenue forecasting.

A statement from Dr Chalmers said Mr Heferen’s experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios, as well as representing Australia at international forums including the UN and OECD, would position him well as Commissioner of Taxation.

“Mr Heferen is an outstanding leader and one of the nation’s most experienced tax experts,” Dr Chalmers said.

READ ALSO Former head of public service tells government to raise taxes

Mr Heferen will begin his tenure on 1 March, 2024, and will succeed Chris Jordan, who has been in the role since January 2013. Mr Jordan advised the Government in July this year that he would not be seeking an extension in the position beyond February.

Of Mr Jordan, Dr Chalmers said: “His leadership and expertise have helped the ATO manage and shape the tax, excise and superannuation systems through a period of great change for our economy.

“Among the important initiatives during his time as commissioner were improved tax compliance efforts targeting multinationals and large corporations, particularly the success of the ATO’s Tax Avoidance Taskforce.

“We sincerely thank Chris Jordan for his outstanding contribution to the ATO over the past decade.”

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