AUSTRALIA

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 July 1944, Page 6

AUSTRALIA

TAXATION EVASION

CANBERRA, July 20.

A suggestion that the Government should dissociate itself from a recent broadcast invitation by the Commonwealth Taxation Commissioner, Mr. Jackson, that persons with a knowledge of tax evasions should notify the Taxation Department, was. sharply answered by the Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin in the House of Representatives to-day. -‘We have developed a bad state ol mind,” he declared. “The Government is not an alien body. Each citizen owes a debt to his fellows and the Government is the. instrument of the people themselves.” Mr. Jackson had suggested that information concerning tax evasions might be lodged anonymously. The Treasurer, Mr. Chiffley, said that the matrimonial courts often gave the Taxation Department a lead on men evading taxation. Wives ,have evidence of their husband’s incomes when seeking alimony or maintenance allowances. These figures, often exceeding those given by the husband in his tax return, were sometimes found to be correct. Mr. Harrison, deputy Opposition leader, suggested that the Department adopt the complete Nazi technique of getting children to inform on their parents. “I am not going to interfere with the Taxation Department,” replied Mr. Chiffley. “If people are evading taxation and someone informs on them by an anonymous letter, they need not expect my sympathy.” MR. BEASLEY’S VIEWS ’SYDNEY, July 20. “After talks with President Roosevelt and other high officers, I am convinced that the United States does not want to dominate the Pacific when Japan is defeated,” said the Minister of Supply and Shipping, Hon. J. Beasley, who returned to Australia to-day from a four months’ tour of Canada and America. “There is a • recognition officially (hat Australia and New Zealand would play a great part,” added Mr. Beasley. “This opinion is not shared by many -influential Americans outside of the administration.” He was convinced that Australia could not avoid the use of synthetic rubber in the manufacture of tyres. Australia must be well in line for her place in the world's markets for primary products, as well as for ensuring the maintenance and development of her secondary industries. Therefore she could not allow her motor transport system to oecome immobilised for the want of tyres.