Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

The government opposes this motion. Taxpayers provide their information to the Australian tax office in the knowledge that its confidentiality is protected by law, except in a very limited number of specified circumstances. This motion will open the door to ever-present parliamentary speculation and inquiry into taxpayers' affairs. The Australian tax office can penalise taxpayers who do not lodge a return. The government has increased the penalties on large multinationals who do not lodge a return up to $525,000. Parliament enacted legislation prohibiting public disclosure of taxpayer information, recognising that disclosure of confidential information would be contrary to the public interest and would adversely impact ATO operations.