Google Aust open to global tax laws
Google Australia and New Zealand managing director Maile Carnegie has urged governments across the world to address the inconsistencies of the global tax system rather than shaming individual companies for their profit-shifting activities, The Australian Financial Review reports.
“I am actually incredibly empathetic to why people want to talk about this. I get it . . . I completely agree that the global taxation system has not kept pace with the [industry] transformation,” she told the newspaper.
“We want a simpler and more transparent taxation system. I would love for all companies and all multinationals and nationals to have a broader definition or broader view for contribution.”
Ms Carnegie’s comments were made prior to those on the matter by Prime Minister Tony Abbott while in the US this week. She said the level of scrutiny placed on Google’s tax bills was understandable, but ignored the level of investment the company has made in Australia.
Yesterday, Mr Abbott gave a strong indication that profit-shifting by large multinational companies will form a key part of the G20 Summit when it comes to Australia later this year.
“We need global tax rules to ensure that businesses pay tax in the countries where they earn revenue,” Mr Abbott said in an address to an American Australian Association luncheon in New York.
