Enquiries
Robert Comelli
Robert Hutt
Natalie Angelone
Chief Executive Officer
Education and Technical Manager
National Marketing Manager
T: 0419 358 679
T: 03 8665 3135
T: 03 8665 3166
MEDIA RELEASE:
-
15/07/09 For Immediate Release
AAT Australia to answer
bookkeeper’s questions on new Tax
Act
In the coming months AAT Australia will be extending its successful information sessions to regional centres in
Victoria to inform members and prospective members of the transitional applications and compliance obligations
under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009. AAT Australia will begin the roadshow in Preston on 20 July and
continue around the State for a couple of months, holding the sessions in a number of central locations
reaching out as far as Mildura. Watch the AAT Australia website for session details in your region!
Through their strong alliance with the Victorian TAFE system, AAT Australia will be holding most of these
seminars at the areas local TAFE. Several of the respective TAFE’s will be offering participants a competitive
price to study at their institution to further assist bookkeepers in their educational requirements as part of the
new legislation.
The sessions will explain the intent of the Tax Agent Services Act, the benefits it will bring and how it will
impact on individuals who currently undertake bookkeeping services including their obligations under the new
law and how AAT Australia can assist bookkeepers to comply with its provisions.
Whilst Victoria has been chosen to launch the regional roadshow initially, AAT Australia is pleased to announce
that we will also be conducting the sessions at regional centres in other states to assist bookkeepers who often
do not have access to reliable information and the opportunity to clarify important issues about the application
of the new law that will have a direct influence on their businesses. Details of times and venues will be
advertised on the AAT Australia website.
AAT Australia welcomed the introduction of the Tax Agent Services Act earlier this year, AAT Australia Chief
Executive Officer Robert Comelli said, “Clearly the legislation is long overdue but on balance, the end result is
legislation that benefits everyone - from a Government perspective and for the members of the public who
utilise the services of BAS and tax agents – so the wait has been worthwhile.”
“The introduction of appropriate standards for bookkeepers will contribute greatly to improving the quality
of services provided by them particularly those who are not members of a professional body – and give the
bookkeeping/accounting paraprofessionals improved credibility in the eyes of the general public
and accountants alike.”
Mr Comelli said that AAT Australia’s membership requirements and services are consistent with the standards
outlined in the new legislation. This includes a minimum qualification requirement for full membership and the
introduction of cost effective professional indemnity insurance exclusive to AAT Australia members.
For further details on the information sessions please go to www.aat.org.au
Ends:
NEWS 
