David Butler heads back East to be Second Commissioner of Taxation at ATO

Australia’s Assistant Treasurer, Chris Bowen, has announced that the Governor-General has approved the appointment of Mr David Butler to the position of Second Commissioner of Taxation.Mr Butler fills the position which became vacant following the departure of Mr Greg Farr in 2007. Mr Bill Gibson has been acting in the role temporarily, and the Government thanks him for his service and commitment to this senior position.

Mr Butler’s extensive experience in tax administration started with the Australian Taxation Office, with senior positions since 1993.

In his most recent role as Division Head, Tax Administration and Consumption Taxes Division with the OECD in Paris, Mr Butler has been responsible for driving international best practice in tax administration.

Prior to this, he was the Chief Executive and Commissioner of Inland Revenue for New Zealand.

He had moved to this role from the Australian Taxation Office where he gained strong experience in tax reform and small business issues.

Mr Butler’s appointment is for a statutory period of seven years.

“I wish Mr Butler all the best in his new role, and look forward to the contributions he will make to the administration of Australia’s tax system,” Mr Bowen said.

“I’m pleased to see that after a successful career abroad, Mr Butler is bringing his wealth of knowledge, skills and experience back to Australia.

“I also take this opportunity to thank Mr Bill Gibson for his excellent work since undertaking the role last year. He will continue to make great contributions to the Australian Taxation Office as Chief Information Officer, with responsibility for significant information technology changes in the coming year, and as a member of the ATO Executive.”