ATO Supports Staff After Queensland Findings of Investigative Misconduct
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reassured its investigations staff that it will support them in potentially high-profile or controversial prosecutions over tax fraud.
This follows a Queensland Supreme Court decision that criticized the ATO's handling of a case against a therapeutics entrepreneur, Julie Clarke, who was accused of inflating research costs.
The court found that an ATO officer engaged in misconduct while gathering evidence in the matter.
On October 3, Justice Paul Smith stayed the prosecution, which dated back to 2019, citing the ATO's misconduct.
- The decision identified several ATO officers, but their names have not been released as the ATO may still appeal the matter.
Author's summary: ATO faces criticism over investigative misconduct in a tax fraud case.