Whistleblower pleads guilty to illegally using recording device and disclosing protected information

7NEWS

27-05-2025

Supporters of a former ATO debt collector have labelled the Adelaide man a 'superhero' for blowing the whistle on his now former employer.
Richard Boyle, 49, has pleaded guilty to charges relating to disclosing protected information, making a record of protected information, using a listening device to record private conversations and recording another person's tax file number.
In 2017, Boyle became a whistleblower due to being concerned about the ATO's operations.
He turned to the ABC, going public on their Four Corners investigations program, where he spoke about allegations he was instructed to use 'heavy-handed' tactics on taxpayers who owed the ATO money.
Boyle originally faced 66 charges in 2019, but over time many were dropped.
He had been trying to invoke whistleblower protections to avoid a criminal trial, however his applications were previously dismissed by the High Court who refused the application for special leave to appeal.
One longtime supporter of Boyle is South Australian senator Rex Patrick, who said there's an 'injustice' in our political system.
'This has been a long saga that's taken a lot out of Richard Boyle, he should be wearing a big S on his chest as a superhero instead of a conviction,' he told media outside court.
'[It] Just shows that there's injustice in our political system where we persecute people who blow the whistle.'
Boyle now faces a fine of up to $50,000.
To help Boyle's legal fight in 2022, a GoFundMe was set up, raising nearly $180,000.
He will return to court in August.