New Commissioner of Taxation

The Albanese Government will appoint Rob Heferen as the Commissioner of Taxation to lead the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a period of seven years.

Mr Heferen is an outstanding leader and one of the nation’s most experienced tax experts.

He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, a role he has held since 2021. He has over 30 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service, including over ten years in senior leadership roles.

Mr Heferen has previously worked at the ATO and served as the Deputy Secretary of Revenue Group at the Treasury between 2011 and 2016, where he had responsibility for tax policy, tax legislation and revenue forecasting.

His diverse experience across policy development and program delivery in a range of portfolios, as well as representing Australia in international forums, including the UN and OECD, will position Mr Heferen well as Commissioner of Taxation.

The appointment comes after a thorough, methodical and considered selection process.

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

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.

Mr Jordan’s term concludes on 29 February. Mr Heferen will commence in the role on 1 March.

The appointment continues the Albanese Government’s commitment to ensuring our nation’s key institutions remain world‑class with the right leadership in place to meet current and future challenges.