Wife of ATO whistleblower says there's 'no end in sight' to their prosecution 'nightmare' | 7.30

ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle has spent the last five years in limbo awaiting criminal prosecution.
Now, one of the taxpayers he helped speaks out for the first time, describing Boyle's potential 46-year prison sentence as 'insanity'.
Adele Ferguson also speaks with Boyle's wife Louise, who in her first sit-down interview discusses the toll this has taken and the need to strengthen whistleblower protections in the country.
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[@ecp7218]

Richard Boyle is a true Australian patriot. He should be celebrated, not prosecuted.

[@michaelhicks8603]

The ATO should be forced to pay compensation to him. That money should come out of the salaries and assets of its senior leadership, as punishment for not acting fast enough in the public interest. $1,000 per day, per executive, for every day since since his arrest, until the case is dropped and everyone involved resigns in disgrace. All personal assets seized and sold immediately and all accounts garnished at a rate of 110%. Sounds fair to me.

[@woodybalfour8213]

It's not a good society where people go to jail for telling the truth....

[@adiintel1]

Modern Australia we also dob on each other now.

[@williamblack7813]

@@adiintel1 Yeah, and that was instigated by the Wuhan Porkie Teller While never recalling Dan who wastes kabillions of tax payer dollars with shear incompetence!

[@m0rthaus]

I too, watched the video and heard what Kieran Pender said @9:38

[@mrdeanvincent]

Much more of this, ABC. Every Australian needs to know the stories of people like Richard Boyle, Jeff Morris, David McBride & Julian Assange and the stories of the governments that have persecuted them for doing the right thing. Attorney General Mark Dreyfus has been worse than useless when it comes to protecting whistleblowers. His empty words can't be trusted to match his behaviour. What is his agenda? Why is he letting good people have their lives ruined? Why is integrity a crime?

[@gustaaf1892]

Well said Dean. I'm getting more and more disillusioned by the Government I actually voted for at the last election. We provide rewards to people for providing information that allows law enforcement to catch criminals, but with whistleblowers we do the exact opposite and then some.

[@dawoodmelendez7982]

Richard Boyle is a good man and deserves better than how he is being treated

[@stardream5907]

Very disappointing to hear the right thing been done by an individual but yet they are being prosecuted, their is obviously a big problem and it’s not acceptable.

[@peteturner8493]

ATO caught red handed and now wants a white wash throwing one of its employees under the bus.

[@williamblack7813]

Yep, can't go much lower than this!...... but a Labor/Green will find a way!

[@solsort1116]

? Yeah... cause they were totally in power in 2018 to 2022 when the majority of this happened@@williamblack7813

[@54Mizery]

This government needs to prove to the people that there is a difference between the two major parties. Whistle blower protection is something else that the ALP promised in opposition and have yet to deliver. Dreyfus and Albanese will have a real credibility problem at the next election if they can't fix this.

[@AK-np4rp]

Absolutely. The Greens are the only viable option.

[@taranullius9221]

@@AK-np4rp Yeah, give them my thanks for supporting and voting with Tony Abbott and delaying climate change action in this country for a decade.

[@taranullius9221]

I was promised equal treatment at work and freedom from SA in the workplace but that still happens too. Hey they even made laws too. Didn't work though. I don't hear a peep out of men on that.

[@54Mizery]

@@taranullius9221 They are there to change the legislation to make it fairer, so that whistle blower's are not having to go through this unfair legal process. That is what is needed and it isn't happening.

[@JosieJo2000]

Thank you for sharing this. I had no idea this is happening. Richard deserves protection.

[@LordandGodofYouTube]

The ATO needs more people with a heart and a conscience like Richard.

[@joeshin3070]

Not good living in society where whistleblower is not protected.

[@belalmohammad3705]

I have always been led to believe that whistleblowers are protected under the protected disclosure legislation but perhaps this does not apply to major Government agencies such as the ATO. Interesting though that there are large multi national corporations avoiding billions of dollars of taxes by exploiting loop holes in the tax system.

[@majorowe]

correct. I don't think the whole story is being told here, and I'm not aware of the full details, but simply stating Richard told the truth is insufficient to warrant protection. The act of placing excessive garnishees by the ATO needs to be illegal per se, not just immoral, for the whistleblower protection to have effect. The story doesn't even begin to cover why Richard had what amounts to restricted/private tax documents at his home, even if he were trying to help people out, which seems to be the crux of the charges.

[@jessicathomas73]

They have never been protected here. In other countries, yes, but not in Australia. It has always been dangerous to open your mouth.

[@gustaaf1892]

My vote helped to get our Government elected, but I'm getting more and more dejected by how they are acting. Whistleblowers should be encouraged and protected, but instead are cut adrift and prosecuted. We provide rewards to people for providing information that allows law enforcement to catch criminals, but with whistleblowers we do the exact opposite and then some.

[@UziMusic]

Meanwhile Chevron pays $30 in income tax..

[@kingdomfor1]

Whistleblowers are the friend of the people, but the enemy of the state , so it seems.

[@bluemm2852]

Drop the charges immediately!!

[@jayr6637]

4:48 - That "hour of power" line is exactly what sales managers do pressure sales staff to meet targets. It is beyond disgraceful for such an approach to be used towards tax collection!

[@Stungray22]

Whoever said that and implemented that culture should be in jail

[@jayr6637]

@@Stungray22 Agreed. A sales target based approach would only be acceptable when chasing down those who are intentionally trying to avoid paying tax!

[@susangriffiths8621]

It seems to me the ATO goes for the easy marks, small business and the average, small person - not the big, big companies. And they can do it viciously, with undue force. This brave man, it seems, is being bullied, persecuted by the ATO. This man should be protected for his courage in doing the right thing.

[@loladiaz7616]

There is a saying within the Tax Office, We go for the little fish as they are easier to catch.

[@lollypop2413]

That email is terrifying.....with the power given to ATO it scares me even though i pay all my taxes. How can a gov department ruin peoples lives

[@jamescucci]

The ATO can't actually do anything unless you break Australian tax law....

[@jhaduvala]

@@jamescucci Obviously they can.

[@janeblogs324]

My employer pays my taxes for me

[@TankEnMate]

No good deed goes unpunished.

[@dmbctau]

Maybe a more appropriate Referendum would be: Should Australia have a Bill of Rights that enshrines freedom of speech in its constitution? If it did, people like Richard Boyle would be going through much less hardship at the moment.

[@Tim_Bo_]

We have one! Bill of rights 1688 UK

[@dmbctau]

@@Tim_Bo_ The Engish Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech in Parliament, so only applies to Members of Parliament. And Australia is not part of the UK for god's sake.

[@Tim_Bo_]

@@dmbctau the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900 UK is an Act of the UK parliament. So the bill of rights is solid. It's our judiciary and executive that's bent!

[@dmbctau]

@@Tim_Bo_ The 1900 Act has been superseded by the 1986 Australia Act. It terminated the power of the UK Parliament to legislate for Australia. So UK laws have no basis (practically and legally) to be applied in Australia.

[@Tim_Bo_]

@@dmbctau the Australia Act was never assented to by the Crown. Just because I have a badge, doesn't make me a cop. Same for the Australia Act

[@czarkusa2018]

Rare to see the wife of a whistle blower hanging around, good on her for being of a rare breed dedicated to doing what's right. Maybe I shouldn't celebrate what should be expected as a bare minimum but all the times it goes the other way erode my hope so.

[@nigelwallace4408]

This kind of story makes me so angry.. These whistleblowers are real life hero's. I would have thought that the Labor Party would did the right thing in this case. As a supporter of them I feel very disappointed.

[@sircolinlesleyrowling]

Wtf ? Good guys get thrown in jail for reporting on unethical buisness practices ?

[@sunshinerain1712]

There lies the problem, you forgot to add "for reporting on unethical GOVERNMENT business practices". Obviously government protecting its own department. LNP government was rogue at the time, the theme was abuse abuse until people suicide. Exhibit, robodebt. I think current government, Labor, is working on this hopefully in a bigger scope. I think they will come out and make huge changes. I do believe the current government, unlike the predecessor, do stand for justice. We saw that in their prosecution of the robodebt inquiry. Maybe Dreyfus is looking into this whistle-blower situations a whole lot more than he can comment on right now. I hope, anyway. I hope the current government continues to purge unethical behaviours, corruption within government departments, government institutions. That is called integrity. I hope Labor has some integrity left. Maybe.

[@olivercouch1651]

This is unacceptable.

[@annpeerkat2020]

The monster in the room is NOT Richard Boyle.

[@MrTech12345]

Come on Australia, be brave and face the reality of accepting wrong doings to be stopped, shamed, end.. It's 2023 I guess almost at the end of our as things are going around the world. Better to fix it asap

[@Kokoda144]

Surely the NACC should be stepping in

[@MrTenom]

If the ATO corrected their aggressive behaviour then the actions of Richard Doyle were correct,it shows ATO wrongdoing therefore his blowing the whistle should be honoured not punished

[@kfg7248]

As someone that was a debt collector decades ago, I understand why the ATO are criminally penalising him, as he clearly broke their privacy act by personally recording and taking photos of debtors information. But 46 years in prison, that's beyond! As law abiding citizens we should be protected by law, for Whistleblowing on those that "abuse their power" and what is ethically wrong. In this case it seems like there are rules for thee (Richard Boyle and every other AUS Citizen), but not for me (ATO).

[@lollypop2413]

This is so unfair to this young couple. Two good people.whistleblowers need protection that is solid. This is a nightmare. Mr Boyle needs to be allowed to work....he is a young man a good person. This is unfair . I will pray to Yeshua for His support. Justice for Mr Boyle. Amen.

[@paulmarshall248]

how much power should the police and government have? when the people have no rights?

[@paulbritten1914]

Blow the whistle and pardon Boyle.

[@patricelauverjon2856]

Whistleblowers are peace warriors!

[@kevwills858]

We haven't been able to have children and put our life on hold ... My heart bleeds .. (if you want kids have em darlin)

[@jeffreystorer4966]

Honest decent people in jail ,,while repeat offender s are out on bail ,,, modern Australian justice system,is a complete joke,

[@wespaul9345]

When government fails nothing happens when citizens fail they call in a swat team.

[@bianchaesson1441]

How is this possible? How is it allowed?? It's quite frightening to realize that truthfulness of this sort can give such a heinous response, especially when it concerns the ATO and Government!! "Truthfulness is the foundation of all virtues"! We're all struggling with trusting the Government. Where does this leave us, and them??

[@DC-lw7dj]

Richard Boyle has the support of the general public!

[@grahammorgan3858]

Government. And ATO action against this employee is an absolute corrupt disgrace.

[@prizecowproductions]

Having been at the receiving end of the ATO wrath I can understand the dislocation of Richard Boyle's life. Stay strong continue to push for justice. Jeff Moore

[@melejohansson3652]

This is better reporting. I don’t want to see segments about polarising political issues created for clickbait. Thank you for this!

[@PS-Straya_M8]

Corruption at its finest!

[@JohnAugustSydney]

This sort of thing is symptomatic of a broader problem with Government. It goes of the rails in so many ways, in so many areas. It happens on the watch of both political parties, who just want to do the fun things and pursue their ideological agendas, not actually get around to cleaning up the back room, which is so tedious and boring. As for the excuse that the Attorney General's power only being used in exceptional circumstances ... well, that's already an artificial limit. With so much dysfunction the bar should be a lot lower. But those in positions of power and responsibility will never be short of excuses and rationalisations.

[@witsend008]

I take my hat off to Mr. Boyle's decency .

[@lilytea3]

0:25: 🔒 Louise Beeston and her husband Richard Boyle were raided by the Australian taxation office and the Australian federal police in April 2018, causing distress and concern. 3:53: 😮 Taxpayer whistleblower reveals concerns about Australian Taxation Office practices. 7:42: 😢 The wife of Richard Boyle, who is facing criminal charges, shares the emotional toll it has taken on her and the uncertainty of their situation. 10:22: 🔍 Whistleblowers face challenges and lack support in Australia. 13:43: 🔊 The Cross bench uniting to ask the Albanese government to drop charges against whistleblowers and improve whistleblower protection. Recap by Tammy AI

[@iamthebroker]

What an inept insight to the story. Leaves more questions than answers. What are the charges against him? It’s not “whistleblowing” but rather, from what little was provided, having taken private and confidential information home. Where’s the detail and story around that?

[@janeblogs324]

Your first time watching the ABC?

[@iamthebroker]

@@janeblogs324 nope but it’s been a while. Now I know why.

[@Openmind4me2]

Good on you Richard!!!!!!

[@Stungray22]

So who polices the ato ?

[@jamescucci]

the law. ATO can't do shit to you if you don't defraud the tax system.

[@Maya-yl8gh]

Man like Richard Boyle is how Australia was shaped and formed. Truth loving and justice seekers are the unique characteristics of this wonderful nation. Now we are persecuting the truth revealing public servants now?? The employee of Dyrk who fraudulently took advantage of his employer’s absence, should be rightly be accused and persecuted and not the one who gave a helping hand to this dire situation in the first place !!

[@robmcd]

Labor is literal liberal lite. I won’t be voting Labor for anything whilst Dreyfus lacks a spine

[@musictorelaxandunwind]

Its was nightmare working for these kind of people horrible double standards.

[@BYGODYOUARESPECIAL1]

Its not enough that Australian small business have been paying the lion's share of tax revenue for decades, now the Australian Tax office are shutting down small businesses, the only real obstacles to Big Business Monopoly and its inevitable Hyper-inflationed prices . ***Contact your local M.P.'s and your social media URGENTLY to bring this issue up for discussion to STOP THIS INJUSTICE, A ROAD TO COMMUNISM AND NO RETURN. There will be no 2nd chances if we let them do what they want.***

[@wespaul9345]

Usually "our ABC" allows no comments. Nice change

[@senadmarovic3530]

You interrupt govermens tax taking and your life will be made difficult

[@jestermgee]

Yep. the ATO is what gives us "the land of the free" as long as you are willing to pay through the nose for it. The amount of tax we all have to pay now is crippling and we are all here to fill the pockets of the few rich.

[@jamescucci]

It's a progressive tax system where the tax rate increases the more money you make. If you are paying a large portion of income tax it means you are quite well off.

[@jhaduvala]

@@jamescucci It's not a scaled tax rate. Not for the big money. You must be very young if you think this tax system is legit.

[@jordankerr8137]

The ATO is disgusting. This is disgraceful. Something has to be done.

[@JacrostheWHite]

Not sure about the email with the garnishes - the emote he used kinda signifies he was trolling

[@MariAmmaSar]

Can I summon an RAAF jet to take me to the shops. And I'd like a $300k/yr tax free life time pension too pls.

[@alecscott8324]

I wonder if the NCAC commission should be involved in this? I’m not sure if they have reach for ‘whistleblowers’ or historical events. If they haven’t then they should have!

[@poerava]

Kinda sad that we talk about the terrible case for Richard, while not mentioning one of the worlds most horrific treatment of a brave whistle, by the name of Julian Assange.

[@melodeev5487]

I feel for the business owner, but he's got a publishing company and he doesn't have professionals doing his taxes? I understand he had a health crisis, but how did he end up owing so much money? Why is it that the laws regarding whistleblowers in Australia are so lax? Where is the public outrage? These are your tax dollars!

[@JohnAugustSydney]

The story did note an employee abused the situation ( fraudulent? Cookie jar?)

[@axedog1395]

I want to comment but I’m too scared.

[@CMgraffix]

Richard Boyle celebrate your truth

[@JamesFFiT]

But you can’t take home sensitive taxpayer details like he did under secrecy laws. It’s one thing to mention inappropriate practices as a whistleblower but not take the security classified documents home. So while he may have done the right thing, he also did the wrong thing. I can’t take sides it’s the judges to decide.

[@vickitroman6691]

They bash it out of you or use mind control

[@cathyanderson8133]

If the government carnt deal with the corporation within the government themselves how do you expect the public to abide by the law in all areas. Our justice system and laws do not work for anybody in this country.

[@KristinaTurnerAquarius]

Considering I no longer have credit for my life or accomplishments or a working phone or computer or server and identity thieves stole my identity and inheritance and pension.

[@adiintel1]

Can they garnish your gold?

[@ickster23]

They can do whatever they want. Sure, you can go to court and fight, but, even if you win, you will be broken by the end of the process.

[@ellypeach]

This makes me mad!!! My heart goes out to both families BUT........When a poor person who is not that well off does the same thing " it's: well you broke the law then our life FOREVER is over. Now a Rich person etc. Tv interviews, news papers, Doc. and a boo hooo hoo then its ok will fix it???

[@jw-vx8im]

Have joint accounts they cant raid them

[@NestorTheGreat]

Get the 2-for-1 deal and pardon both Boyle and Assange before the dirty yanks get him!

[@willcifur]

Hold on Richard !! Good is under assault all over the world and you are on the side of life. We are with you and your wife and we need you to hold on because order will be restored !! These people will pay … these people will pay

[@aconiteuniverse]

Labour will do nothing. Hence why they will only be in power for one term. Go after the big guys not ordinary Australians.

[@jerichothirteen1134]

If you call the ATO criminals you will realise they are actually foriegn gangsters.

[@datopperharlee2628]

1 for you 13 for me....cause im the tax man

[@bernie8987]

The ATO and federal police are like all the secret police in every banana republic with total corruption and no accountability

[@Ian-vj5pv]

ATO is a for-profit business registed in NY, it is not government organisation similar to Reserve Bank of Australia owned by rotschilds

[@kevwills858]

She quote, 'could see his gun in his holster' ... Where else should it be ??

[@annpeerkat2020]

nowhere visible....what's wrong with you?

[@titovalasques]

@kevwills858 In a 16 minute video exposing serious ethical concerns regarding our taxation office, THIS is the detail you home in on and take the time and energy to write a post about? And at absolutely no point did your mind step in and alert you to the idea that this might not be very important in the scheme of things? 🤨

[@ickster23]

Why do tax collectors need a gun in a country with almost zero legal firearms?

[@kevwills858]

@@annpeerkat2020 Cops in Australia wear Holsters .. they are totally visible night and day df

[@victoria.xseven7913]

She did not see his gun in his hand with his finger on the trigger.

[@hahaha9076]

Whistle-blower = bad idea

[@gustaaf1892]

That is exactly the conclusion they want ALL Australians to draw. They need to be scared into silence.

[@Eric-zo8wo]

0:25: 🔒 Louise Beeston and her husband Richard Boyle were raided by the Australian taxation office and the Australian federal police in April 2018, causing distress and concern. 3:53: 😮 Taxpayer whistleblower reveals concerns about Australian Taxation Office practices. 7:42: 😢 The wife of Richard Boyle, who is facing criminal charges, shares the emotional toll it has taken on her and the uncertainty of their situation. 10:22: 🔍 Whistleblowers face challenges and lack support in Australia. 13:43: 🔊 The Cross bench uniting to ask the Albanese government to drop charges against whistleblowers and improve whistleblower protection. Recap by Tammy AI