Throughout his career, Mr Kinsella has advised public companies, SME clients and high-net-worth individuals on tax matters with a focus on audits, tax risk management, corresponding with the ATO and evidence gathering, a statement from Holding Redlich explained.

Mr Kinsella’s new role will see him work alongside Brisbane partner Damien Bourke and Melbourne partner Sue Williamson, and comes at a time when the firm looks to bolster its tax controversy practice across Australia’s eastern seaboard.

“I am delighted to join Holding Redlich. I was attracted to the firm’s strategy which is based on two key factors: expertise and independence,” he said, commenting on his new role.

“The Holding Redlich regulatory disputes team has exemplary skills on all dispute and litigation issues relating to disputes with regulators, including evidence gathering, legal professional privilege, alternative dispute resolution and dispute strategy.

“Importantly, the team brings an independent assessment to the disputes it works on, partnering with experts in related areas to understand the underlying technical issues.”

Going forward, Mr Kinsella said the practice area is set to be busy, with the ATO currently looking more closely at taxpayers across all industry sectors, particularly in the SME space and high-net-worth individuals.

“This increased focus is not a surprise. Independent legal advice has never been more important given the widespread industry disruption, and need for revenue, caused by the Covid pandemic,” Mr Kinsella said.

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“The recent release of the findings of the ATO’s Top 500 program has also found only 52 of the Top 500 wealthiest private groups in Australia have achieved the ATO’s expectations for the hurdle of reaching what the ATO sees as ‘justified trust’.”