Former Liberal politician Adam Richard Brooks has avoided a conviction for tax offences after pleading guilty to failing to file income tax returns for the financial years 2019 and 2022. During a hearing at Devonport Magistrates Court, Magistrate Duncan Fairley noted that Brooks, 49, had been under significant emotional strain during the offending period. Consequently, he discharged Brooks from the tax-related charges, ordering him to pay only court costs of $99.11.
Despite Brooks’ personal exemption, his company, Rapid Fleet Management, was found guilty of multiple tax violations over several years, specifically failing to lodge business activity statements and tax returns from 2016 to 2022. As a result, the company was fined $5,000.
Magistrate Fairley highlighted that Brooks eventually filed the outstanding tax returns in July 2024, resulting in a tax refund of $81,500, which meant there was no loss to the public purse. Brooks had a notable political career in Tasmania, serving in Parliament from 2010 to 2019 and overseeing various portfolios. However, he faced controversies leading to his resignations, including issues regarding an email linked to his mining business and past legal troubles related to unregistered firearms.