Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I should give an indication of the opposition's voting position on the same matters. Labor will not be supporting these particular items, although I can foreshadow that there are other amendments on the same sheet that we are supporting. In relation to amendment (1), we're concerned that the concept of a taxation entity is an undefined term under the act. In relation to amendment (2), which requires the ATO to confirm with the Inspector-General of Taxation prior to disclosure of information to credit agencies, we're concerned that this would introduce undue delays into the administration of this schedule, including delays where it's important to provide correct information, which is to the benefit of taxpayers.

We are also not supportive of amendment (3). We consider that the extension of the notice period from 21 days to 42 days in this amendment is excessive. We would support an extension to 28 days. We note that's been moved. While fairness and the ability to contest processes where appropriate is important, we don't want to see companies extending credit to businesses that have excessive tax debts while they're unaware of those tax debts. In relation to amendment (4), this changes the words 'given to' to 'served on'. We consider that might create confusion and is not strictly required from a drafting perspective. Finally, in relation to amendment (6), this is the matter Senator Hume has already referred to. We understand that the ATO does allow taxpayers to elect any given address as their preferred address for correspondence. This addresses the concerns around the ability of tax agents to have access to the relevant information.