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The largest tax scandal in Australia’s history—organised by the ATO

Friday, September 14, 2018  

It’s a shock to find that what could be viewed as arguably the greatest tax scandal in Australia’s history was organised by the Australian Taxation Office. The tax revenue loss from high-wealth individuals is likely in the order of $2 billion, perhaps even more.... More


Tax authority admits secret deals to protect the rich—targets small business instead

Wednesday, 12 September, 2018

Here’s an amazing admission. The United Kingdom tax authority, HMRC, has admitted that it does secret deals to avoid damaging the reputation of the most powerful members of society, allowing them to escape prosecution for financial crimes.... More


Give unfair contract laws teeth, says competition boss

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

We’re most pleased to see the head of the Australian Consumer and Competition Council (ACCC), Rod Sims, call for the unfair contract laws to be given ‘teeth’. Good on you, Rod. We back you on this one! ... More



ALP takes first step to make the ATO behave. But much more is needed

Friday, August 31, 2018  

Breaking news is that the Australian Labor Party will, if they win government at the next election, restructure the ATO so that it is forced to use fairer processes in its handling of tax disputes. We are delighted with this first step by the ALP, but it doesn’t go far enough... More


More SEA News...

Global Self-Employment Updates
We monitor self-employment news from around the world. Full list here.

Self-Employed Australia Webinars

Self-Employed Australia's inaugural webinar—‘Tax Breaks and Tax Traps’—was conducted on 14 August 2018. A YouTube recording of the webinar is available to the public here. Additional (written) information on tax breaks and potential traps is available for Self-Employed Australia's Members here. Our next webinar is titled 'Will Your Contract Pass the ATO Test?' We'll provide more info here when the details are confirmed.

Our Tax Campaigning

We want reform of the ATO because the evidence shows that it abuses small business people.

ATO Exposed!
The ABC Four Corners program, 'Mongrel Bunch of Bastards', exposed the truth about the ATO treatment of vulnerable small business people. It sparked numerous media stories and at least two official (and negative) reports—see here and here.

Our agenda to reform the ATO
In the light of the ATO's behaviour, it is clear that it badly needs reform. Among other things, we suggest that the ATO be split into two bodies and call for the establishment of a Small Business Tax Tribunal. Our full reform agenda is contained in our position paper The Power to Audit is the Power to Destroy.
    2 true stories. Beware: It could happen to you!
    1. Rod Douglass was originally accused of fraud in 2015, and slapped with a huge tax bill, but was finally vindicated, two years later, after our intervention. 2. In 2017, the withdrawal, en masse, of the ABNs of 16 self-employed transcribers, who only had their ABNs restored after a 13-week campaign.

    7 key ATO powers ... greater than the police
    Most Australians would be unaware of the huge powers at the ATO's disposal to enter premises, seize documents and make claims against your assets (including your home), even bankrupt you. We say, don't panic, but instead be prepared. A members' briefing on the ATO's powers is here.

    Full ATO issues here
    ATO news alerts

    Self-employment challenges managerial orthodoxy

    The supposed ‘rise’ of the ‘gig’ economy is causing much debate on whether its impacts are good or evil for society. But that debate is not new. In 2005, SEA's Executive Director, Ken Phillips, published his challenging book, Independence and the Death of Employment, in which he examined the fundamental changes that were occurring, even then, in the way we work and how notions about independence and the role of the commercial contract were fundamental to them. The Introduction to the book is available here. Recent arguments about the ‘gig’ economy have refired that debate.

    Is your contract fair?

    SEA can rightly claim huge success in achieving Unfair Contract protections for small business people. New protective legislation came into effect in November 2016—a world's first for self-employed people. Resources for checking your own contract are here.

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      Self-Employed Australia does not provide tax, financial, legal or other professional advice. We seek to understand members' situations and make referrals to our partner, outsourced, self-employed specialist Lawyers, Accountants, Insurance Brokers and other professionals.

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