ATO whistleblower Richard Boyle to face trial after high court refuses attempt to appeal

Former tax office employee who spoke publicly about the agency’s pursuit of debts has pleaded not guilty to all charges

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A South Australian court’s decision that federal whistleblower protections do not grant immunity for criminal acts committed while gathering evidence will stand, after the high court refused Richard Boyle’s attempt to appeal it.

The decision on Thursday will mean Boyle, a former Australian Taxation Office official, will soon face a criminal trial in Adelaide for 24 offences, including the alleged use of his mobile phone to take photographs of taxpayer information and to covertly record conversations with colleagues.

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