Transparency and trust
Information volumes, enabled by new technology, can negatively impact information quality. Misinformation can further impact our society, creating disharmony and distrust. We acknowledge the challenge to improve trust in government and in our regulation, and with the tax profession and the tax system. We recognise stewardship of the system is especially important for a strong Australian community facing geo-political conflict, economic and trade uncertainty, digital disruption, challenges to social inclusion, and climate change.
We recognise that we must continue to innovate and improve support to the Australian community, tax practitioners, professional associations, the ATO and government. This innovation and collaboration will build confidence in a tax system that works to provide support and services for all Australians
Compliance priorities
We will enhance transparency and publish its compliance priorities to improve voluntary compliance. These priorities will address systemic issues like tax fraud and shared risks such as personal tax obligations. We will also focus on strengthening tax payments, acting against promoters of tax schemes and unregistered preparers, and targeting professional misconduct to protect vulnerable Australians from financial abuse.
Our compliance priorities are informed by data analysis, stakeholder consultation and ongoing interactions with the tax profession. Last year, we received over 14,000 complaints and referrals about tax advisers, which helped shape our regulatory system.
Tax practitioners and professional associations provide valuable feedback and insights to us, informally and via structured consultation. Our priorities are also shaped by data, intelligence and risk assessments from the ATO and partner agencies.
We aim to level the playing field for ethical tax practitioners while other tax advisers will need to review and adjust their practices. Those who fail to address serious misconduct can expect targeted TPB action.
Professional conduct is also supported by educational services, guidance, and co-regulation by professional associations. Professional associations uphold standards, resolve complaints, supervise, investigate, and deal with members involved in serious misconduct, demonstrating their commitment to their members and the community.
In addressing their members' needs, services, performance and in the worst cases, misconduct, professional associations are demonstrating the delivery of their professional duties to their membership and to the community. We welcome increased transparency, feedback and advocacy from professional associations, who have shared goals in enhancing professional and systems integrity.