Morning Mail: ATO lashed over ‘on-hold’ debt letters; flooding fears in Cairns; increased pressure for Gaza ceasefire

The Australian Taxation Office has described the historical debts as ‘on-hold’ because it does not demand immediate repayment. Photograph: Tom Compagnoni/AAP

Good morning. The tax ombudsman has taken a dim view of ATO’s campaign to resurrect thousands of historical debts that has caused distress and confusion for thousands of Australians. Karen Payne, the country’s top tax bureaucrat, says the “on-hold” debt notices have caused a surge of complaints – and the government should consider legislative fixes to put time limits on debt collection and to ensure people are not put into hardship.

Flood warnings remain in place as northern Queensland wakes up to the continued impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper, with further heavy rain forecast. Flights at Cairns airport remain grounded due to an “unprecedented flooding event” caused by spillover from nearby the Barron River.