Congratulations to (now) DP Stephen Frost, DP Fiona Alpins, DP Professor Bob Deutsch and SM Gina Lazanas on their appointments as part-time members of the AAT as Deputy Presidents and Senior Member, respectively, with taxation expertise.
The Attorney General, Nicola Roxon, made the appointments on Thursday 19 April 2012. Her media release can be accessed here.
“I offer my congratulations to all those who have been appointed today and look forward to the contribution each will make to administrative justice in their new roles,” Ms Roxon said.
Those tortured souls that find it necessary to navigate our incomprehensible taxation laws will heartily welcome the chance to access the sensible guidance for which Stephen, Fiona, Bob and Gina are renowned. I foresee a veritable stampede to the doors of the AAT.
Administrative justice? I am still confused by ATO IDs 2012/ 21 and ATO ID 22 that suggest hearing fees for access to similar Tribunals may be subject to GST after 1 July 2012 on the basis that the Tribunal in question is NOT a non-commercial government activity – see more here.