Government Consultation On Targeting Serious Crime
(Anyone got a mirror they could lend 'em?)
The Government is seeking public feedback on proposals for Inland
Revenue to share information that will help prevent serious crimes.
You can see the proposals, say what you think and follow the discussion online
Sharing Inland Revenue information could help other government
agencies with investigating crimes like murder, wildlife smuggling,
investor fraud and immigration scams. Before the changes are made, the
Government wants to know what information you think is appropriate to
share, and the controls you'd like to see for safeguarding
confidentiality and privacy of information.
The forum makes it quick and easy for you to join the discussion. You
can agree or disagree with proposals, post your comments and reply to
others in just a few minutes.
You can also read a copy of the discussion document and send a formal submission
Research completed by Inland Revenue over several years shows that
most people are comfortable with agencies sharing information as long
as rights to privacy are balanced with the benefits to society, and
controls are in place.
Read the report Cross-government information-sharing to identify, stop
or disrupt serious crime
Revenue Minister Peter Dunne, Police Minister Anne Tolley and Justice
Minister Judith Collins have opened up the subject to wider public
consultation, inviting people to join the discussion. The Ministers
are keen to find the balance between continuing to value tax secrecy
while considering outcomes that will benefit society.
All views will be presented to the Government, which will make the
final decisions on agency information sharing.
(Which is likely to be what they planned to do - all along.)
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