The Australian tax office claims that actor Paul Hogan owes it money. Paul Hogan denies this - and the matter has been unresolved over many years. At no stage has the tax office sought to prove it's claim by issuing a summons and putting Hogan before a court.
Now - in what can only be described as " an act of bastardy " the tax office has issued a detention order preventing Hogan leaving Australia and returning to his wife and family in America.
Hogan has been a constant visitor between the two countries and on this occasion his reason for travelling here was to attend the funeral of his mother. It seems that the tax office is now using it's powers to implement a virtual prison sentence - without bothering to get the permission of a judge.
The aim seems to be turning Hogan into a hostage in the hope that he may be forced to accept their terms in return for freedom. There is no time limit on their travel ban - and as this case has been in progress for years there seems no reason why it might continue on for further years.
Hogan is a well respected actor and film maker. This ban on movement can cause him financial loss and prevent him making further films - and all of this without the tax office proving it's case or even taking the matter to court.
The tax office has been given wide powers to detain those it expects to flee the country owing them money. Hogan is not such a person. Unfortunately the tax office may eventually concede that Hogan is right and owes no taxes - and may then simply withdraw the travel ban - without paying compensation for hurt caused or financial loss.
It seems that the days of the " Gestapo " have not fully ended !
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