The Australian Government has appointed Mark Friezer and Paula Tallon Bennett as part-time members of the Tax Practitioners Board, strengthening the expertise available to the national body responsible for regulating tax professionals.

The announcement was published on October 16, 2026, by the Australian Treasury Ministers’ office. The appointments are intended to support the board’s work in maintaining professional standards and promoting integrity across Australia’s tax services industry.

Experienced Professionals Join the Board

Mark Friezer brings experience from the legal and financial sectors. He has worked as a consultant since 2022 and previously served as a partner at Clayton Utz and as a vice president at Deutsche Bank.

Paula Tallon Bennett also brings experience in taxation and professional services. She established Salann Tax in 2022 and has held senior positions at Prosperity Advisers Group, Markel Tax and BDO UK.

Their backgrounds span legal advisory work, banking, taxation and business services, providing a range of professional perspectives relevant to the board’s regulatory responsibilities.

What Does the Tax Practitioners Board Do?

The Tax Practitioners Board is Australia’s national regulatory body for registered tax agents, business activity statement agents and tax-related financial advisers.

Its responsibilities include registering eligible practitioners, overseeing compliance with applicable professional requirements and addressing misconduct where necessary.

The board operates under Australia’s Tax Agent Services Act 2009. Its regulatory framework is designed to help ensure that people providing professional tax services meet the required standards of competence, integrity and ethical conduct.

Focus on Professional Standards and Public Confidence

Tax practitioners play an important role in helping individuals and businesses comply with their tax obligations. Their work can involve preparing tax returns, advising clients on taxation matters and assisting businesses with reporting requirements.

Maintaining effective professional oversight is therefore important for taxpayers who rely on registered advisers to handle financial information and meet regulatory deadlines.

The Australian Government said the appointments would help strengthen the board’s capabilities and support its efforts to ensure that tax practitioners comply with appropriate professional and ethical standards.

Implications for Australia’s Tax Services Industry

The appointments reflect the government’s continued attention to regulatory oversight in the professional tax services sector. An experienced board can contribute to effective supervision, consistent standards and public confidence in registered practitioners.

However, the announcement concerns appointments to a regulatory body rather than a change to tax rates, filing deadlines or taxpayer eligibility rules. It does not introduce new tax obligations for individuals or businesses.

The board will continue its existing regulatory functions under the applicable legislation, with the newly appointed members contributing their professional experience to its work.