How to Get the Conclusions You Want on Tax

According to the Australian, the independence of Sir Peter Costalot's review of the nation's tax system has been called into question, with bureaucrats in his own department dictating the report's content. Late last month, the Treasurer appointed two leading business figures (buddies) to conduct an (independent) study comparing Australia's tax competitiveness with other nations, to address concerns that the Government are a little too greedy with their tax take, especially with Ozzie battlers (like us).

But The Australian has learned that almost all the work is being done by a team of nine Treasury officials who are conducting the research and drafting the report in order to meet the April 3 deadline set by Sir Peter. It is understood that the Treasury team has been sending drafts of chapters detailing their conclusions for the authors' comments. But it is understood Treasury failed to include some of the authors' amendments and suggested changes in revised drafts. No doubt Sir Peter's is trying to burnish his image as he tries to hang in there for a better job.