Kate Lundy (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Hansard source

The Tax Laws Amendment (Confidentiality of Taxpayer Information) Bill 2010 is a good example of the government’s commitment to reduce the volume and complexity of taxation law. The government has also decided to agree to opposition amendments to the bill that will provide for new approval procedures for particular disclosures by taxation officers under the bill, as well as new annual reporting requirements for disclosures made to ministers and law enforcement agencies.

The government notes that these amendments impose an additional administrative burden on the Australian Taxation Office. However, the government is prepared to accept the amendments, as it does not wish that this important piece of legislation be deferred, especially since the bill contains a small number of new disclosures that will enhance law enforcement activities. The government wishes to take this opportunity to thank senators who have contributed to this debate and commends the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.