Mr Boyle, 43, is charged with 66 offences including using a listening device to monitor a private conversation, recording another person's tax file number and disclosing protected information.
In February 2018, the ATO tried to settle with Mr Boyle over an alleged breach of the Public Service Code of Conduct, offering him a payout and a statement of service, with no admission of liability.But Mr Boyle decided the public had a right to know what was going on at the ATO. He would not stay quiet. He rejected the ATO's offer.
The Tax Office is facing calls for curbs on the 'draconian' powers it uses to target small businesses. Labor announced it would appoint a new second commissioner to hear small business tax disputes, as well as. The Federal Government has also since announced tax clinics. "The commissioner is committed to doing everything possible to secure taxpayer information, and will pursue cases where taxpayer confidentiality has been compromised," the agency said at the time.Is there a public interest disclosure defence?The ATO's senior ranks come from big accounting and law firms. Does that give birth to conflicts of interest?
"This is the first case in terms of someone being charged with offences relating to his public disclosure to the media," he said.At the same time the Federal Government has announced tougher protections for private sector whistleblowers, but there are worries that these still do not go far enough.
DeniseBrailey Shamefully, blowing the whistle on Guardianship Regimes in this country, can also land whistleblowers in Jail!
Forthleft2 This man deserves a medal not jail.
slpng_giants_oz shameful abuse of the law by our scared government.
Richard_D_Boyle should be commended. He should receive compensation. Furthermore he should have immunity from prosecution. His courageous actions have only ever been in the public interest, fighting against corruption. As a civic society we thank him. Please help him.