Andrew Locantro

Member's name: Andrew Locantro
Date of Hearing: 9 February 2021
Division: Victoria
Tribunal: Appeals Tribunal

On 9 February 2021 the Appeals Tribunal heard an appeal by Mr Andrew Locantro against a Determination of a Disciplinary Tribunal held on 20 August 2020.

The Disciplinary Tribunal found Mr Locantro breached:

1. Article 39(a)(ii)(F) of the 14 May 2019 Constitution (“the Constitution”) in that Mr Locantro had “been the subject of an adverse finding that has not been overturned on appeal in relation to the Member’s conduct, competence or recognition by any Court, professional body, statutory or other regulatory authority in any jurisdiction” in respect of a decision of the Tax Practitioners Board dated 14 February 2020 that terminated his registration as a Tax Agent.
2. Article 39(a)(ii)A in that the Member breached By-Law 5.2(a)(ii) for not providing a satisfactory response to the Complaint within 10 business days or at all after repeated requests.

Mr Locantro did not attend the Disciplinary Tribunal, however he attended the Appeals Tribunal Hearing.

Penalty and costs

The Appeals Tribunal upheld the determination of the Disciplinary Tribunal, which found the complaints sustained and imposed the following penalties and costs.

For Complaint 1:

• forfeiture of Membership, not eligible for readmission for 30 years.

For Complaint 2:

• a severe reprimand.

For Complaints 1 and 2 combined:

• a fine in the amount of $100,000.

The Member was ordered to pay CPA Australia’s costs of $2678.39 in relation to the Disciplinary Tribunal and additional costs of $2000 in relation to the Appeals Tribunal.