We are committed to providing a world-class tax administration for Australian business. Our objective is to administer the tax laws fairly and efficiently for all taxpayers.
In supporting the competitiveness of Australian business we look for ways to reduce compliance costs and make compliance as easy as possible, as well as providing avenues for certainty on contentious tax issues. Our aim is to smooth the way for business prosperity while maintaining a level playing field for all businesses.
As part of our commitment to business we have developed this publication. It provides practical guidance to help businesses manage their tax obligations in the area of bribes and facilitation payments.
We suggest initiatives that company boards can put in place and offer suggestions to help businesses meet their obligations under the law. We strongly recommend that businesses:
- have a code of conduct across the business relating to bribes
- have a strong internal audit function and audit committee, and
- act to rectify any relevant internal control weaknesses identified and reported to the board by external auditors.
In preparing this document we consulted with key stakeholders, including the Business Council of Australia, the Corporate Tax Association, the Taxation Institute of Australia, Transparency International, Australian Stock Exchange and Standards Australia. I thank everyone for their valuable contribution.
This publication complements the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development publication, OECD bribery awareness handbook for tax examiners, and builds on advice from Transparency International.
The cornerstone of our work with business is boosting self regulation and enhancing governance processes that help identify risks before they eventuate.
Michael D'Ascenzo
Commissioner of Taxation
Last Modified: Wednesday, 27 August 2008