The pre-election sausage machine of regulatory appointments is continuing, with the Tax Practitioners Board having two gaps filled this week.
Assistant treasurer Michael Sukkar has Andrew Conway, the chief executive of the Institute of Public Accountants, and Steven Dobson, a director of Dobson Financial Planning and a board member of the Gaming and Wagering Commission in Western Australia, to the board.
Conway has been an executive with the Institute of Public Accountants since February 2007. He joined the professional accounting body following four years as a senior adviser and chief of staff to Chris Pearce, the former parliamentary secretary to the treasurer in the Howard administration.
He is also an adjunct professor at Deakin University and is a co-founder of the Small-Medium Enterprises Research Centre at the university, with extensive involvement in government consulting forums, including the Department of Foreign Affairs Ministerial Advisory Council on Free Trade Negotiations.
Dobson is a former Western Australian police officer who has spent almost a decade with the state’s Small Business Development Corporation. He served as the development corporation since December 2018.
“The TPB is looking forward to their contribution, together with the benefit of their combined experience. These appointments will ensure that the TPB continues to play an increasingly important role in the protection of consumers of tax practitioner services,” Ian Klug, the TPB chairman, said.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank departing members Mr Greg Lewis and Dr Julianne Jaques QC. Their contribution has been significant and was invaluable in assisting to guide the board in undertaking its regulatory functions.”
The Tax Practitioner Board appointments come as the federal government is copping criticism for rushing a range of appointments to regulatory and other bodies just prior to the election that have links to the coalition parties.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal appointments have included Pru Goward, a former minister in the New South Wales Liberal-National government, and Michael Mischin, a former Western Australian member of parliament.
:
Perth casino inspector quizzed over mystery report, conflict of interest
Any feedback or news tips? Here’s where to contact the relevant team.