Michael Walpole

Michael Walpole is a Professor of Taxation Law at the School of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation within UNSW Business School. He holds a BA and LLB from the University of Natal and a PhD from UNSW. His research focuses on tax transfer pricing, GST/VAT, taxation of intangibles, tax administration, compliance costs, and ethics. He has contributed to OECD projects on VAT and served as a Visiting Professor at the OECD in Paris (2012).

Walpole has authored/co-authored over 20 books including Understanding Taxation Law and Proposals for the Reform of the Taxation of Goodwill. He currently edits the Australian Tax Forum and previously edited eJTR and Australian Tax Review. His recent projects include an ARC-funded study on tax dispute resolution costs and global VAT compliance research.

Walpole's research highlights include analyzing GST cross-border rules, tax dispute resolution mechanisms, and the role of tax clinics in supporting vulnerable populations. He has received the Hill Medal for contributions to tax policy and served as ATTA President.

His grants include an $164k ARC Discovery Grant on tax justice and a $10k study on sovereign wealth funds taxation. Current projects involve environmental tax measures and tax policy evaluation frameworks.

Walpole participates in professional networks like OECD Working Party 9 and the ATO GST Stewardship Committee. He teaches Tax Planning and Anti-Avoidance and Goods and Services Tax Law at UNSW.