James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Taxpayers provide their information to the Australian Taxation Office in the knowledge that its confidentiality is protected by law, except in very limited specified circumstances. It has been decades since taxpayer information has been disclosed in parliament. The circumstances at that time involved serious tax evasion and organised crime matters that had been the subject of judicial decision or commentary. The government opposes this motion as it will open the door to ever-present parliamentary speculation and inquiry into taxpayer affairs. The ATO can penalise taxpayers that do not lodge a tax return. The government has increased the penalties on large multinationals that do not lodge a return up to half a million dollars.