PM intervened to delay ATO credit card ban for tax debts

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 23:03 · Archive

Anthony Albanese intervened to delay an Australian Tax Office policy that would stop accepting credit cards for tax debts.

Anthony Albanese has revealed he intervened to delay the Australian Tax Office's ban on accepting credit cards for tax debts. The policy was introduced to prevent the ATO absorbing hundreds of millions of dollars in surcharges. After days of criticism from small businesses, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced extra funding to cover surcharges until the fiscal year's end.

Addressing the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's gala on Tuesday night, the Prime Minister revealed he intervened after exchanging texts with the peak body's chief executive Andrew McKellar. "Andrew did text me last Thursday morning, and by Friday morning we had an announcement," Mr Albanese said. He emphasised the speed of the response, saying "you can have a discussion, saying: 'It's in hand, I agree with what you are saying, and I'll get it done'."

Treasurer Jim Chalmers said there was consensus on the approach. He told ABC Radio National that the government engaged with the business community on Thursday, then took a proposal to ministers on Friday morning after discussing it with the tax commissioner. "By late Friday morning we had stepped in to provide a much longer transition period so the ATO has the time to consult with business and to get this important change right," Mr Chalmers said.

How it is being reported

• ‘I’ll get it done’: PM intervened in ATO credit card ban delayAnthony Albanese has revealed his role in delaying a controversial policy that drew fierce criticism from small businesses.Perth Now · 13 Oct, 22:41
• ‘I’ll get it done’: PM intervened in ATO credit card ban delayAnthony Albanese has revealed his role in delaying a controversial policy that drew fierce criticism from small businesses.The West Australian · 13 Oct, 22:41

In this story: Anthony Albanese · Jim Chalmers · Andrew McKellar · Daniel Mulino · Australian Tax Office · Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry · Australia

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