Additional Comments from the Australian Greens
1.1 The
Australian Greens support the Chair’s second report on corporate tax avoidance.
However, we have strong concerns that the suite of recommendations contained in
the first report are not being implemented; and that this second report has not
proffered any further anti-avoidance measures.
1.2 The
Australian public wants prompt and decisive action. They want a comprehensive
response to the epidemic of corporate tax avoidance. At this stage, neither of
the parties vying to form government have put forward policies that are
proportionate to the scale of tax avoidance; and the government has provided
only isolated responses to specific forms of tax evasion.
1.3 In recognition
of the scale of the problem, the Australian Greens have released the most
comprehensive response to tax avoidance that this country has ever seen,[1]
with eighteen measures covering enforcement, public disclosure, tax reform and
global agreement.
1.4 The
Australian Greens encourage this policy package to be used as a template for
the parliament. All parties need to work productively and cooperatively to
secure a reliable tax base and to restore faith in the integrity of the tax
system.
1.5 A
particular priority for this committee and the parliament should be the establishment
of a public register of beneficial ownership. This register would reveal the ultimate
owners of trusts and incorporated entities where there is a valid public
interest in doing so.[2]
1.6 Similarly,
the establishment of a public register of tax settlements is an important
public disclosure measure that can be enacted immediately. The register would detail:
the company involved; the amount originally assessed as their tax liability;
and the amount settled for. This would help dissuade companies from
under-claiming their tax liabilities; and would give the ATO more bargaining
power in negotiations.
Recommendation 1: That the government implements a comprehensive
response to corporate tax avoidance, starting with the establishment of a public
register of beneficial ownership and a public register of tax settlements.
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson
Senator for Tasmania
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