AUSTRALIA | New Inspector-General of Taxation & Taxation Ombudsman appointed

Ms Ruth Owen CBE GAICD was appointed to the role of Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman for a term of 5 years commencing on 15 July 2024.

Ruth brings a wealth of experience in tax, public sector reform, complaints management and dispute resolution, having spent more than 30 years in various senior leadership positions across the public sector in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK).

Ruth was previously a Director General and Tax Commissioner of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in the UK, Head of Profession for operational delivery in the UK Civil Service and Deputy CEO of Jobcentre Plus, the UK employment service and welfare service delivery agency.

In moving to Australia, Ruth joined EY Advisory as the lead partner in Human Services, providing professional services to Government and community sector clients, including publishing guidance on complaints management and supporting the National Redress Scheme for survivors of institutional child sexual abuse.

Ruth spent over three years in NSW Government, as a Deputy Secretary at Education and then leading the delivery of public sector reform in the NSW Premier’s Department.

Ruth was awarded the CBE in the UK for her public service in reducing unemployment during the GFC.

She lives in the Northern Beaches with her partner, Rod.

Source: Inspector-General of Taxation and Taxation Ombudsman, Australia