In November 2012, the Assistant Treasurer announced that he had asked Treasury to develop a scoping paper, to be led by the head of the Revenue Group, Rob Heferen to examine the perceived risks to the sustainability of Australia’s corporate tax base from multinational tax minimisation strategies and to identify potential responses.

The review by Treasury is to be informed by a specialist reference group made up of representatives from the business, tax professional, academic and community sectors.

The Assistant Treasurer on Mon 10.12.2012, announced the members of the reference group, saying they had been appointed “in their personal capacity, based on their high level of expertise in this area, rather than as representatives of particular organisations”. Among the members is outgoing Commissioner of Taxation Michael D’Ascenzo, the Rio Tinto Tax General Manager, CEO of the Corporate Tax Association, and members from other bodies, accounting and law firms.

Mr Bradbury said Treasury will also consult directly with interested stakeholders. The reference group will begin meeting in February 2013 for the first of several meetings. The Government plans to release the Treasury scoping paper for public consultation in mid-2013.

Source: Assistant Treasurer’s media release No 162, 10 December 2012

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