TAXPAYER VICTORY! “Nosey Parker” Clause on the Chopping Block

Revenue Minister Simon Watts has confirmed a major victory for taxpayer privacy with plans to repeal Section 17GB of the Tax Administration Act 1994.

The so-called “Nosey Parker” clause, introduced in 2022, gave Inland Revenue the power to demand “any information the Commissioner considers relevant” for tax policy or reform, regardless of how private or personal.

The Taxpayers’ Union, which spearheaded a campaign to scrap the law, says the repeal is long overdue.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesman James Ross said:

“David Parker’s snoopers’ charter is headed for the scrap heap, and good riddance. Taxpayers have a right to privacy, regardless of how little the former Labour Revenue Minister may have respected that."

“Open-ended, arbitrary powers have no place in the tax system, just like IRD has no business prying into people’s family lives or spending habits.”

“Rammed through during COVID with no public consultation, there was next to no limit on the taxman’s powers to rifle through people’s private lives. Well done to Minister Watts for putting Big Brother back in his box.”