TPB opens arms to incoming secretary from January 2026

Orme was noted to have begun his career as a lawyer at Clayton Utz before serving as a policy analyst at the Department of Treasury, followed by joining the Tax Office in the Tax Counsel Network, where he provided technical tax advice and contributed to litigation and public rulings.

 In 2015, Orme was appointed to the role of assistant commissioner, where he was responsible for independent review and large market objections, before he was appointed to ATO deputy chief tax counsel with responsibility for public advice and guidance in 2018.

“Since 2021, Andrew has headed objections and review as deputy commissioner, overseeing objections against ATO decisions and conducting independent reviews,” the TPB said.

“We also acknowledge and thank our outgoing secretary, Michael O’Neill, for his leadership and the significant reforms delivered during his tenure as secretary.”

In the TPB’s final newsletter for 2025, Peter de Cure shared the TPB’s actions and achievements over the year in a video, which included an acknowledgement and “thank you” to Australia’s tax practitioners for their professionalism and dedication.

“Your work supports individuals, businesses and the broader economy, helping maintain trust in our tax system,” de Cure said.

“This year, you assisted over 9.5 million individuals and more than two million businesses to lodge returns, reinforcing the vital role tax practitioners play.”

According to de Cure, 2025 had been a year of “transformation and renewed purpose” across the country, with the vast majority of tax practitioners continuing to support clients with integrity, navigating complex regulatory changes, economic shifts and evolving client needs.

The TPB revealed it had put work into modernising systems, improving transparency and strengthening its compliance framework in a bid to effectively and further assist practitioners.

“Integrity remains central to our work. While most tax practitioners uphold high standards, misconduct even by a few, undermines community confidence,” de Cure said.

“That’s why we remain focused on fair and proportionate compliance. In 2025, we will assess over 13,000 complaints and referrals, resulting in 275 serious misconduct outcomes, and continue to take action against unregistered preparers.”

Looking ahead to 2026, de Cure noted the TPB would continue to build on its achievements, invest in technology, strengthen compliance and support programs and deepen collaboration across government and the profession.

“Our goal remains clear: a trusted, capable, and future-ready tax profession that delivers for the Australian community. I look forward to an even stronger 2026.”