Tax Policy & Advocacy update presentation

Julie Abdalla FTI

Julie Abdalla, FTI, is the Head of Tax & Legal at The Tax Institute. Julie has practiced in the tax teams of Big 4 and top tier law firms in Sydney and Melbourne, and at an international law firm in London. She has expertise in law and policy across a broad range of taxes and industry sectors. Julie is driven to achieve holistic tax reform, and has the depth of knowledge to advocate for members and the betterment of the tax system. Julie leads the Tax Policy & Advocacy team and has oversight of The Tax Institute’s National Technical and State Taxes Committees comprised of over 150 volunteers. She represents The Tax Institutes in several external forums including the ATO’s National Tax Liaison Group and the Australian Treasury’s Tax Treaty Advisory Panel. Julie provides strategic and technical advice to Government and other stakeholders, and has appeared as an expert witness in several Senate Committee inquiries. Julie has been recognised throughout the profession for her leadership and excellence in tax. She has been awarded a number of scholarships and awards including the International Bar Association Taxes Committee Scholarship, the Australian Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Award in Tax, and a prize from the University of Oxford. Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney, and a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne, part of which was completed at the University of Oxford. - Current at 12 August 2025

Robyn Jacobson CTA

Robyn Jacobson, CTA, is the Senior Advocate at The Tax Institute. She is an avid advocate, social media commentator, columnist, blogger, webcaster, presenter and the host of The Tax Institute’s TaxVibe podcast. She is also frequently quoted in the media. In her role as Senior Advocate, Robyn champions improvements to our tax system, with a focus on SMEs and supporting practitioners. Robyn regularly consults with the Treasury, ATO and professional bodies on technical issues, including as Co-Chair of the ATO’s Tax Practitioner Stewardship Group and a member of various other working groups Robyn has more than three decades in the profession, including a public practice background and more than 20 years guiding the profession in her various roles as a professional tax trainer. Robyn is a Chartered Tax Adviser of The Tax Institute, and a Fellow of both CA ANZ and CPA Australia. - Current at 10 April 2025