The Tax Ombudsman’s report, Bias isn’t always seen: A review into the ATO’s controls for bias in decision making and disclosures made two recommendations regarding the ATO’s management of bias in our compliance operations.
The ATO accepts both recommendations in the report, which will build on our existing foundations and reinforce community confidence in the integrity of our decisions and actions.
The review acknowledges the ATO has strengthened its governance, oversight and decision-making controls over the past 10–15 years and that our risk-based compliance approach is consistent with OECD good practice principles.
The ATO strives to deal with all Australian taxpayers honestly, transparently, and fairly; and recognises that public trust in the tax and superannuation systems depends on confidence that ATO decisions are made impartially, consistently and in accordance with the law.
Equally, the ATO considers it important to clarify that consideration of historical conduct and intelligence is a critical component of a fair, consistent and risk-based administration, and should not be confused with bias.
Historical conduct and repeated non-compliance is particularly important in the context of suspected fraudulent refunds and payments, as the ATO must act proactively and decisively to protect taxpayer money against fraud.
Notes to journalists
- ATO stock footage and images are available for use in news bulletins from our media centre.