ATO Reassures Staff After Misconduct Findings
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has moved to reassure its investigations staff after a Queensland Supreme Court ruling criticized the agency's handling of a tax fraud prosecution.
The court's decision in The King vs Julie Clarke found that an ATO officer had engaged in misconduct while gathering evidence, leading to the prosecution being stayed.
Justice Paul Smith handed down the decision on October 3, identifying several ATO officers involved in the case.
- The case dates back to 2019 and involves allegations of inflated research costs.
- The ATO's fraud squad has been criticized for its handling of the prosecution.
The ATO is seeking to appeal the matter, and as such, the names of the officers involved have not been disclosed.
Author's summary: ATO reassures staff after court criticizes tax fraud prosecution handling.