Over $500 million lost as Australians rort tourist GST refund scheme

Over $500 million in dodgy tourism tax claims may have been paid out by the government because of ineffective management.

Passengers walk to their flights at Sydney International Airport. Source: AAP Images/Lukas Coch

Australians have rorted over half a billion dollars in a scheme allowing tourists to access refunds on tax paid on goods purchased in Australia.

An audit report has questioned the management of the scheme saying it has been made a low priority by the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Taxation Office.

You can check out the full version of this story in English on SBS News here.