Fed: Ruddock plays down call for tougher tax police

AAP General News (Australia)
02-17-2004
Fed: Ruddock plays down call for tougher tax police

CANBERRA, Feb 17 AAP - Attorney-General Philip Ruddock today played down calls for
the tax office to have stronger policing and intelligence powers to track down serial
tax cheats.

Newspaper reports today said a report recommended the Australian Tax Office (ATO) employ
former federal police officers and spies and gain the power to execute search warrants
and gather intelligence.

Former National Crime Authority boss Tom Sherman said the ATO should have similar powers
to the Australian Federal Police to track down and prosecute tax avoiders and black marketeers.

The proposal would mean boosting the tax office's 400-strong Serious Non-compliance
Unit by an extra 157 staff.

But Mr Ruddock said he would hate to see resources diverted from existing security
organisations when national security was such an important issue.

"I wouldn't want to see people who are involved in that security effort taken away
at this time," he told reporters.

He also said he doubted the ATO needed criminal powers.

"In terms of the tax office, I think one has to look at it being used for a civilian
purpose," Mr Ruddock said.

"But in terms of security organisations where national security is concerned, there
is a clear and unambiguous need for security organisations to have unusual powers."

Labor said the government should review the tax office's powers to make sure it was
capable of dealing with serious threats to revenue.

AAP kmh/sb/drp/de

KEYWORD: ATO RUDDOCK

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