About me
Yuma, everyone!
I've stepped into the role of Deputy Commissioner for Small Business and have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with passionate small business owners and supporters, listening to your experiences and understanding the challenges you face.
I've spent several years at the ATO in areas including GST, service delivery, and policy and law design, and before that, worked across the public service in the UK and Australia. What keeps me here is simple: the work matters. Every day, I see how our efforts make a real difference for people and communities. That sense of purpose drives me – and it's why I'm excited to focus on small business, because small businesses are so important to the Australian economy.
A few fun facts about me: I have a PhD in ancient Greek drama, love exploring new places (the northern lights in Norway are next on my list), and spend weekends watching my son play sport or making LEGO creations together.
Reflecting on 2025
It's been a big year for small businesses. We’ve enhanced our resources to give you even more support. This year we:
- launched Small business benchmarks to help businesses measure performance against industry peers
- expanded our Essentials to strengthen your small businessExternal Link, offering free, flexible short courses on finance, record keeping, and business skills
- updated our 2025 Tax time toolkit, a year-round resource for small businesses.
What's next in 2026
My focus for the year ahead is on deepening our understanding of the challenges you face so we can provide the right support to help you get it right. That means continuing to reduce complexity and make sustained compliance easier, strengthening support and education so obligations feel less like a burden, and exploring smarter ways to manage risk without adding extra steps. I’ll also draw on my GST experience to maintain strong refund integrity.
We'll keep sharing our insights through Our focus areas for small businessExternal Link to help small businesses get it right.
We'll also continue working towards our longer-term goal of a seamless, digital tax experience to help small businesses meet their tax obligations from the start – more to come on this soon.
I’m excited for what's ahead. I wish you and your families a safe and happy break.
Rowan Fox
Deputy Commissioner
Small Business
Australian Taxation Office
Keep up to date
We have tailored communication channels just for small businesses – so you’ll always be up to date with the latest information and changes relevant to you.
Explore more articles in our Small business newsroom.
Subscribe to our free:
- monthly Small business email newsletterExternal Link
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