Chalmers names Rob Heferen as new tax commissioner

The news: Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers has named Rob Heferen as the new tax commissioner. Heferen is a public service veteran who currently leads the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and has previously worked for Treasury and the federal energy and education departments.

The context: Heffernan's Treasury roles have included work on corporate governance and business tax, and GST design and implementation. He served as the deputy secretary of revenue group at Treasury from 2011 to 2016, working on tax policy, tax legislation and revenue forecasting. Heferen will begin his role leading the ATO on 1 March 2024, picking up from outgoing commissioner Chris Jordan.

What they said: "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," federal treasurer Chalmers said in a statement.