An update on tax audits and disputes presentation

Damien Browne

Damien is an Assistant Commissioner in ATO Review and Dispute Resolution, which is responsible for ATO dispute resolution policy and practices, including running the Independent Review service and managing ATO litigation. Increasingly, the ATO is using alternative dispute resolution to better resolve and manage disputes. Damien joined the ATO in 2007 from the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s office, where he was variously responsible for information technology, public and international affairs, public contact, and the taxation and Defence Force Ombudsman roles. He was responsible for the ATO’s public advice policy, and National Practice Manager for legal services, prior to taking on his current role. - Current at 01 October 2014

Ashley King CTA

Ashley is a Partner in the Tax Controversy team at PwC. He focusses on strategic resolution of tax disputes. Ashley has over 25 years tax experience including 20 years with the ATO. Ashley was one of the youngest tax officers to have been promoted to assistant commissioner in the ATO in 2001, and was senior assistant commissioner for Large Business and International Tax division when he left the ATO to join PwC in 2007. Ashley recognises that attempting to resolve tax disputes comes with its technical complexities. By combining his extensive ATO experience and his insight into contemporary ADR processes, Ashley has been instrumental in advising many clients in negotiating complex tax dispute settlements. He has also successfully assisted many clients in defending their tax positions, including through obtaining positive ATO rulings. - Current at 29 October 2014