The ATO is reminding taxpayers who complete their own return to lodge online before the 31 October deadline to avoid penalties.
The fastest and most convenient way to lodge is through the ATO’s free myTax or e-tax services.
MyTax has just 10 main screens to complete and is designed specifically for those with straightforward tax affairs while e-tax remains the most convenient way to lodge for people with more complex tax affairs.
Since 1 July the ATO has received over 2 million lodgments through its free online services.
People who think they may not be able to meet the deadline should call the ATO on 13 28 61 as soon as possible to discuss their situation.
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Every now and again something comes along which immediately if only temporarily, transforms the atmosphere of Parliament House. Gough Whitlam’s passing was one of those events.
The political guns fell silent, the tributes flowed, and normal proceeding ground to a halt. It takes something big to make all those things happen.
I had the very great pleasure and privilege of knowing Gough Whitlam well.
He was a giant amongst men and one of our greatest Prime Ministers and party leaders.
Gough was a visionary, reformer, performer, humanitarian, lawyer and war veteran. He possessed a wit like no one else I’ve met.
His achievements are too many to list but universal health care, affordable tertiary education and Aboriginal land rights are amongst his greatest legacies.
So too was his reform of the Labor Party – he made it electable after a long spell in the wilderness. That task wasn’t easy and took great courage. He took a crash through or crash approach and emerged victorious, just!
In conversations with him in more recent years, Gough was always more interested in seeking re-assurance from me that I was giving myself the greatest chance to be the best politician I could possibly be than talking about his own interests or legacy.
The planning of his funeral was a focus for both Gough and his family for some years. When I was defence minister I one day took a call from Gough's son Nick. He reminded me that Gough flew in the Lockheed Ventura Bombers during WWII and wanted to know whether by chance there was any still airworthy. The family though it would make for a nice fly-past at the farewell!
Australia is a better place for the life of Gough Whitlam and his great partnership with Margaret.
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I am always keen to assist with issues or questions relating to Federal Government departments or put you in contact with someone who can, so please ring, write, visit the website or call in.
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To contact the office, phone 1300 301 753, visit www.joelfitzgibbon.com or by post 3 Edward Street, (PO Box 526) Cessnock, 2325.
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