Overview:
Palau is strengthening its tax administration and regional partnerships, with Bureau of Revenue and Taxation Director Elway Ikeda holding high-level talks in Canberra with Australian Taxation Office officials. The visit reinforces growing cooperation with Australia as Palau prepares to host a major Pacific tax conference in 2026.
The Director of Palau’s Bureau of Revenue and Taxation (BRT), Mr Elway Ikeda, spent a week in Canberra meeting with Australian counterparts as part of an official visit to Australia focused on tax administration cooperation.
During the visit, Director Elway met with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Commissioner Mr Rob Heferen on 27 March 2026. The meeting provided an opportunity to review ongoing collaboration between the BRT and the ATO, including capacity-building support and regional cooperation across the Pacific.
Commissioner Heferen highlighted the value of long-standing partnerships between Pacific tax administrations, highlighting the importance of practical cooperation, shared learning and sustainable outcomes.
Director Elway conveyed the Government of Palau’s appreciation for Australia’s continued support to the modernisation and professional development of Palau’s tax administration, noting the positive impact of this cooperation on institutional capability.
While in Canberra, Director Ikeda engaged with senior ATO officials to discuss preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) Conference, which Palau will host in September 2026. He also met with the ATO People Executive to exchange insights on workplace culture, workforce strategy, capability development, organisational design and workforce optimisation.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between Palau and Australia and highlighted a shared commitment to strengthening tax administration across the Pacific.