Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

In terms of recovering funds from Australian businesses, and of compulsorily recovering funds from any Australian businesses that made inappropriate claims, the Australian Taxation Office has the power to pursue and to recover funds where necessary. As always, we use the powers judiciously, be they for individuals or businesses, and, where possible, repayment plans are negotiated or agreed between parties. I said, in response to the primary question, that some $296.6 million in overpayments has been identified. Many of these overpayments were honest mistakes, but nonetheless $185.5 million has been recovered and the government will continue to pursue the recovery of the residual amount.