In Episode 6, iNOW! noted the particular challenges of statutory interpretation for administrators. In Service Delivery, we try to find interpretative solutions that are administratively workable for the broader tax system, not just for an individual client. These solutions need to be creative and practical, and keep up with the rapidly changing digital environment. If you know the rules of interpretation, you will be better equipped to perform this exercise in mental gymnastics. At the same time, we cannot overstep the boundaries of the law – our role is to interpret the words actually used by parliament, not rewrite them. Sometimes, there is simply no interpretative solution available and the better approach is to advocate for a law change.
Jenny Lin – Operational Policy, Assurance and Law, Service Delivery
See here for the official PDF of interpretationNOW! Episode 15
In this episode:
Footnotes:
Writer – Michelle Janczarski. Thanks to Matt Bambrick and Robert Olding.