George is the Assistant Commissioner responsible for the Phoenix Program in the ATO. His role includes leading strategy development to combat illegal phoenix activity and the delivery of the accompanying engagement and assurance program.  

George is also the Deputy Chair of the Phoenix Taskforce and Chair of the Phoenix Taskforce Steering Committee. The Phoenix Taskforce comprises 38 federal, state and territory government agencies, including the ATO, Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC), the Attorney-General's Department, Australian Border Force and the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Phoenix Taskforce takes a whole-of-government approach to combating illegal phoenix activity. 

George has extensive experience in tax administration, covering both income tax and GST. He has held a number of senior roles in the ATO including in policy and law design, interpretation and assurance and engagement.


 

George Montanez
Assistant Commissioner, ATO