We need consistency in how we treat financial crimes. Sentencing guidelines are a good place to start
- Written by Lisa Marriott, Professor of Taxation, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

As it stands in Aotearoa New Zealand, beneficiary fraud (fraud by people on benefits) is largely dealt with under the Crimes Act, while tax evasion is prosecuted under the Tax Administration Act. This, among other factors, means beneficiaries engaging in financial fraud face significantly stiffer penalties than professionals doing the...