The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has moved to reassure its investigations staff after a Queensland Supreme Court ruling criticized the agency's handling of a tax fraud case.
The court's decision in The King vs Julie Clarke found that an ATO officer had engaged in misconduct while gathering evidence, leading to the prosecution being stayed.
Justice Paul Smith handed down the decision on October 3, stating that the ATO's actions were grounds for staying the prosecution, which dated back to 2019.
Author's summary: ATO staff reassured after court criticizes agency's handling of tax fraud case.