Rob’s expertise is in the area of excise taxation and has worked extensively in both excise tax policy development and excise tax administration. Rob’s focus has been on assisting developing countries strengthen their capacities in relation to their excise tax systems, working with Ministries of Finance and revenue collection agencies to recommend enhancements to policy and develop more efficient revenue collection procedures. 

Rob holds a PhD which was based on coordinating excise tax policies across Southeast Asia as it moved towards closer economic integration. His current research relates to the illicit trade in tobacco products both in Australia and globally. He has given evidence to federal and state parliamentary inquiries on illicit tobacco, as well as co-authoring papers with the World Bank and Interpol on the topic. 

Rob designs and delivers training programs to both government agencies and industry in the area of excise tax administration and compliance.

In an addition to research and training, Rob works in capacity building with government revenue authorities. Over the past 10 years Rob has been assisting international capacity building organisations including the World Bank, IMF, and Asian Development Bank, as well as government agencies such as UK Aid, Royal Thai Excise Department and the Department of Home Affairs. 

Rob has published articles on excise taxation policy and administration, and presented many of these papers in regional seminars, and conferences.