ATO Supports Staff After Queensland Findings of Investigative Misconduct
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has reassured its investigations staff that it supports them in potentially high-profile or controversial prosecutions over tax fraud.
This comes after the Queensland Supreme Court criticized the ATO in the case of The King vs Julie Clarke, a therapeutics entrepreneur accused of inflating research costs.
Justice Paul Smith stayed the prosecution, citing misconduct by an ATO officer in gathering evidence.
- The prosecution was mounted by the ATO in 2019.
- Justice Smith's decision publicly identifies several ATO officers.
The ATO may still appeal the matter.
Author's summary: ATO supports staff after court criticizes investigative misconduct.