Release: Whistleblowers Defending Taxpayers Deserve Protection Too
In response to the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Whistleblower Protections) Bill 2019 which takes effect from 1 July 2019 onwards:
The Australian Taxpayers’ Alliance (ATA), a 75,000+ member grassroots advocacy group representing the nation’s taxpayers, today questioned why stronger whistleblower protections are being introduced for accountants who dob in tax evaders to the ATO, but not for public servants who reveal dubious behavior and abuse of taxpayers by the ATO.
“It’s all well and good to pass laws that protect those who dob in tax evaders, but what about strengthening protections for whistleblowers like Richard Boyle who faces a 161-year jail term for revealing the corrupt culture and practices of the Australian Tax Office which destroyed the lives and livelihoods of innocent taxpayers?” said Satya Marar, ATA Director of Policy.
“It seems that the government only cares about protecting the whistleblowers who suit their interests. Hardworking and honest Aussie taxpayers deserve better than this.”