Media release. Monday, 27 July 2026 A Tax Ombudsman review has warned that unchecked bias in tax administration can have serious consequences for taxpayers, finding the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) should do more to manage the risk.  The review was initiated after an investigation into historical allegations of ATO maladministration involving bias and prejudice. It examined whether the ATO’s current processes, guidance and training prevented bias or prejudice from influencing its decisions, particularly where they can significantly affect a…

Media release. Monday, 6 July 2026 Marking the beginning of NAIDOC Week celebrations, the Tax Ombudsman has called for more accessible and culturally safe tax support for First Nations communities. Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen said as part of her systemic review underway into ATO engagement with First Nations taxpayers, she had heard the tax system…

In this episode of Tax Tales from the National Tax and Accountants’ Association Ltd (NTAA), Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen, sat down with Robyn Jacobson to provide an update on recent and upcoming systemic reviews, complaints data and new website content. Watch the recording. Listen to the recording on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Opening statement from Ruth Owen, Inspector-General of Taxation and Tax Ombudsman at the 2026 Senate Estimates Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the Committee and to support the important oversight work that it performs. I was appointed to my role in July 2024. My role is to improve the fairness and integrity of…

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