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Former ATO deputy commissioner joins BigLaw firm

A major Australian firm has bolstered its tax controversy team with the appointment of a former deputy commissioner of international at the Australian Taxation Office. 

user iconNaomi Neilson • 01 March 2021 • Big Law
Mark Konza PSM
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Mark Konza PSM will move into MinterEllison’s tax controversy team where he will share expertise gained from his time at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The firm is still the only Australian legal practice with a dedicated tax controversy team with national capability and experience advising large businesses in this space. 

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At the ATO, Mr Kanza was responsible for developing and leading the organisation’s strategy on base erosion and profit sharing, offshore tax evasion and foreign investment risks. During his time, the firm said he led winning tax settlements with Microsoft, Google, Facebook and other large multinational enterprises. 

Commenting on the appointment, head of tax controversy Carmen McElwain said: “Mark’s move to MinterEllison is part of our deliberate and focused strategy to provide our growing list of local and cross-border clients with access to tax controversy and transfer pricing experts, who know how to work with the ATO and navigate a complex international tax landscape.” 

Ms McElwain added that his unique expertise spans tax technical and management roles across debt management, taxpayer assistance, assessments, rulings, disputes and audits at various levels in various-sized businesses and individual tax segments. 

Mr Kanza was also responsible for the small and medium enterprise business line where he designed audit-based methodology to administer the income tax system for business and individual taxpayers across the SME market as well as high-wealth individuals, non-profit sector and government organisations. 

Mr Kanza said MinterEllison’s standing as Australia’s largest firm attracted him: “Their reputation as one of the country’s leading tax controversy and transfer pricing practices and its work on landmark matters drew me to the firm. 

“I’m looking forward to sharing my expertise and knowledge and working with a team who continue to test, and clarify, the application of Australia’s suite of legislation aimed at multinationals who do business in the region.”

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson

Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly. 

You can email Naomi at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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