ATO Supports Staff After Misconduct Findings
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reassured its investigations staff that it supports them in potentially high-profile or controversial prosecutions over tax fraud.
The statement comes after the Queensland Supreme Court criticized the ATO in the case of The King vs Julie Clarke, where Justice Paul Smith stayed a prosecution due to an ATO officer's misconduct in gathering evidence.
Justice Paul Smith stayed a prosecution mounted by the ATO dating back to 2019 on the basis that an ATO officer engaged in misconduct in the gathering of evidence in the matter.
The decision publicly identifies several ATO officers, although their names have not been released as the ATO may still appeal the matter.
Background
- The case against Julie Clarke, a therapeutics entrepreneur, was stayed due to ATO misconduct.
- The prosecution, which began in 2019, was criticized by the Queensland Supreme Court.
Author's summary: ATO reassures staff after court criticizes misconduct in tax fraud case.