TAX NEWS - June 2010

Tax inquiry progress won't be reported

The progress of an inquiry into computer problems at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will not be reported, Assistant Treasurer Nick Sherry says.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon successfully moved a motion in the upper house in May calling for Taxation Inspector-General Ali Noroozi to provide a progress report on the review by September 15, and publicly release a final report by October 31.

Senator Sherry formally responded to the motion on Tuesday, saying Mr Noroozi was an independent officer who could not be compelled to comply with upper house orders.

"This includes the request of a progress report and the adherence to any date deadlines set down as a result of the motion," he wrote in a letter to the Senate clerk.

Senator Sherry said any ATO employees who gave evidence at the inquiry would be protected.