29 June 2000

Media Statement

Following allegations made this morning that a computer hacker has accessed bank account identification details at the GST Assist site overnight, the GST Start-Up Assistance Office shut down this website this morning. Federal Police were informed and comprehensive investigations are continuing.

It has been established that the "GST Assist" site was improperly accessed and data extracted by a hacker. This site is separately located with an external service provider under contract to the GST Start-Up Assistance Office. It has no connection to any Treasury or Australian Tax Office sites.

An email has apparently been sent to all registered suppliers identifying their own bank account numbers which are on the site.

Apart from the bank account identifying information, the database contains no other bank account details, no general taxpayer information,no ABN numbers, no taxpayer records, and no general Treasury records. The other information on the data base comprised phone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses.

This information is put on the database by suppliers when they first do their application for registered supplier status for redemption of GST Certificates. Registered suppliers are entitled to supply goods and services for GST Certificates issued with ABN and GST registration before 31 May.

All access to the GST Assist site has been suspended while investigations continue. A comprehensive review of site security will be undertaken.

The GST Assist data base site is not used for making payments to suppliers. Payments to suppliers are unaffected by these arrangements. Therefore no supplier or Commonwealth funds are at risk.

Media Contact: Tel: Glenn Carlos (02) 6263 4331 (mob) 0419 492 413 or Brien Armstrong (02) 6263 4452 or (mob) 0413 137 667.