CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ANZ AUSTRALIAN TAX LEADER TO RETIRE
A well-respected voice in the Australian tax landscape, Chartered Accountants ANZ (CA ANZ) Australian Tax Leader, Michael Croker, has announced his retirement after more than 40 years in the profession.
His retirement will be effective from 1 July 2024.
“I commenced in the profession in 1983 in the month prior to the Hawke/Keating partnership arriving in Canberra, and after more than 40 years it’s time to pass the baton to someone else.
“I still remember the momentous tax changes announced by Labor on 19 September 1985 – including Capital Gains Tax, dividend imputation, Fringe Benefits Tax, and the denial of entertainment deductions.
“Now it seems big picture tax reform is impossible, and taxpayers must cope with incessant tinkering to a tax system much in need of a major overhaul.
“My sincere hope is that the long-held goal of a ‘joined-up’ tax and transfer system will one day be achieved, enabling the majority of individual taxpayers to enjoy a streamlined, ’light touch’ engagement with government agencies which other countries have managed to successfully design and implement.
“My thanks to the many Chartered Accountants who have shared their ideas, experiences, and frustrations about Australia’s tax systems with the CA ANZ Tax team. I’m also grateful to the many officials in Treasury and the ATO for their engagement with CA ANZ.
“Chartered Accountants are on the front-line of many engagements with regulators: their voices inform our advocacy efforts, and their ongoing input is vital,” Mr Croker said.
Simon Grant, Chartered Accountants ANZ’s Group Executive of Advocacy and International Development said Michael will be greatly missed.
“Michael has made an enormous contribution to the profession, and as a result to sound policy development over many years,” Mr Grant said.
“At the forefront of his thinking has always been those who work, day in and day out in tax practices, whether for large firms, small to medium practices, or as part of the management of businesses and not-for-profit organisations.
“Our members will miss his tireless support for them, as will those who Michael worked with throughout what has been an extraordinary career,” Mr Grant said.
CA ANZ will announce Mr Croker’s replacement prior to his departure on 1 July.
ENDS
Media Contact
Gillian Bowen
M +61 (0)411 485 421 E: gillian.bowen@charteredaccountantsanz.com
About Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand represents more than 138,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.
