Save
ATO and AUSTRAC may gain new phone-tapping powers
A proposed update to electronic surveillance legislation could see the ATO armed with new powers that would allow the agency to bug phones and intercept online communications.
ATO and AUSTRAC may gain new phone-tapping powers
A proposed update to electronic surveillance legislation could see the ATO armed with new powers that would allow the agency to bug phones and intercept online communications.
Reforms to Australia’s telecommunication intercept laws could see Australia's tax man granted the ability to listen in on the conversations of taxpayers.
Speaking on the release of a public discussion paper outlining the government’s plans to update domestic surveillance laws, federal Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews was adamant that the measures would strike the right balance.
“The government will balance the need for agencies to have the powers they require to protect Australians, while ensuring these powers are subject to robust controls, safeguards and oversight,” she said.
A key reform proposed by the discussion paper includes the broadening out of electronic surveillance mechanisms to new government bodies with a “clear and compelling” case for accessing them.
The list of potential beneficiaries of this includes both the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
For the former, the government argued that the power to intercept telecommunications data could play a valuable role in AUSTRAC’s mission to deter money laundering and financing of terrorism.
In contrast, the argument for the ATO having access to the data is more defensively oriented.
“With respect to the ATO, access to telecommunications data would support or, in some cases, potentially replace expensive, resource-intensive and intrusive physical surveillance operations,” the discussion paper said.
“ATO experience demonstrates that telecommunications data would also be a critical tool in excluding non-involved individuals from lines of inquiry, or in establishing a relationship between an original person of interest being investigated (for example, for tax fraud) and a larger group of individuals committing serious criminal offences (such as large-scale fraud against the Commonwealth).”
Ms Andrews said that the proposed reforms will better protect individuals’ information and data, and ensure law enforcement and security agencies have the powers they need.
“Australians can trust the Morrison government to deliver legislation that is clear, fit-for-purpose, proportionate and enduring, and that will keep Australians safe and protect our way of life,” she said.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Tax saving
Navigating tax laws for capital gains in 2023
The landscape of Australian tax laws surrounding capital gains is ever-changing, with 2023 being no exception. Read more
Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. Read more
Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. Read more
Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. Read more
Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. Read more
Tax saving
Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year
As the economy recovers, Australia’s tax regulator says it’s planning to put unregistered practitioners under the microscope. Read more
Tax saving
Will you pay higher taxes due to bracket creep?
Bracket creep will see Australians paying more tax on average, unless further cuts are introduced in the future. Read more
Tax saving
10 ways to reduce your tax bill
With the tax return deadline only one month away, these tips could help minimise your tax bill. Read more
Tax saving
Navigating tax laws for capital gains in 2023
The landscape of Australian tax laws surrounding capital gains is ever-changing, with 2023 being no exception. Read more
Tax saving
What you need to know about the tax implications of crypto
One million Aussies are now invested in crypto, but many have not thought about how these investments will affect them at tax time. Read more
Tax saving
Welfare overhaul could give recipients a leg-up
Australia’s Centrelink recipients who’ve been doing it tough are in for a potentially easier time if the federal government pursues ambitious reforms that could provide sturdier safety nets. Read more
Tax saving
Students should think twice before tapping into their super
Former students might want to think carefully before they look to take advantage of the federal government’s biggest first home buyer incentive. Read more
Tax saving
Advocates call for an end to tax cuts
Social services sector advocates have warned that further tax cuts may make solving Australia’s biggest challenges much harder. Read more
Tax saving
Over 2m Aussies asked the TPB for help during the last year
As the economy recovers, Australia’s tax regulator says it’s planning to put unregistered practitioners under the microscope. Read more
Tax saving
Will you pay higher taxes due to bracket creep?
Bracket creep will see Australians paying more tax on average, unless further cuts are introduced in the future. Read more
Tax saving
10 ways to reduce your tax bill
With the tax return deadline only one month away, these tips could help minimise your tax bill. Read more
