Mr Mills, who is set to commence his role from 19 May, was the ATO second commissioner with overall responsibility for law design and practice until his retirement in December last year.

Tax Institute president Peter Godber said he believes the appointment will reassure members through Mr Mills’ experience and leadership in the months and years ahead.

“High-level advocacy is a great asset for members, and positioning the Tax Institute as the premier tax professional body requires us to actively engage with key regulator and stakeholder bodies within our tax community, with a consistently proactive, targeted and valued voice,” Mr Godber said.

“With a deep understanding of this important role of the Tax Institute, Andrew is the right person to lead our tax policy agenda.

“He brings widely respected thought leadership to the institute, enabling us to further shape the way we engage with the community on tax policy and tax technical matters.

“This will cover our engagement with all levels of government, federal Treasury, the Australian Taxation Office and regulatory bodies.”

Mr Godber said the Tax Institute’s immediate priority remained addressing the economic challenges facing members and clients.

“We are stronger together, and together we will continue to make a difference,” he said.

Mr Mills said his appointment presents the opportunity to expand on the Tax Institute’s role and contribution to the tax policy and technical areas.

“The pressure is on tax practitioners to stay abreast of the rapid shifts and changes to Australia’s legal and regulatory landscape, as the Australian government continues its tax reform efforts,” Mr Mills said.

“The Tax Institute is the premier tax body that will amplify the voice of tax professionals, recommend improvements to the tax system and lead the charge to help the tax community navigate through these difficult times.”

Mr Mills’ appointment follows the Tax Institute’s recent appointment of Robyn Jacobson to the newly created senior advocate role.