Australian Tax Office warned of bias in tax decisions

The Australian Tax Ombudsman, Ruth Owen, released a report warning that unchecked bias within the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) could have serious consequences for taxpayers and their livelihoods. The review, prompted by historical allegations of maladministration, examined the ATO’s current processes, guidance and training to determine whether bias or prejudice might still influence decisions, including inappropriate disclosures of taxpayer information.

While the Ombudsman acknowledged recent improvements in the ATO’s controls, she urged the agency to explicitly recognise bias as a risk, embed stronger safeguards in everyday processes, and maintain ongoing vigilance to ensure decisions are evidence‑based, impartial and regularly reviewed.