If my figures are correct, the ATO will potentially collect...

If my figures are correct, the ATO will potentially collect AUD0.59 x 5,065,820,556 shares(from internet) = AUD$2,974,360,355 in Corporate Tax from this distribution.

Then individual punters have to follow ATO guidelines to complete tax returns and apply whatever tax rules apply to them. In the meantime, if the calculations are accurate, the Australian Govt has AUD$2bn(?) to use. Maybe some will get refunded, maybe some of the money goes to other tax regimes overseas, what ever, it is still a lot of money for the Australian Govt to be getting from the BHP enterprises.

Punters have already paid the 30% tax on these dividends, we do not have to pay tax twice. So of course you do not have to pay double taxes and the ATO system and regulations are set up to avoid having to pay tax twice in most cases. So obviously the dividend income will be treated differently to your PAYE or other income.

The point is we need to make sure the fact that the 30% Corporate Tax has been withheld on the dividends is clearly announced, not unlike the way tax is withheld from PAYE tax payers, they get to have offsets and regulations and stuff as well. And we could publish the sums to show just how much potential revenue that means for the Australian Government as well.

Anyway, I would like to thank everyone who works for BHP for delivering this result, I appreciate the dividend income and the fact that so many Australians can have a nice lifestyle because of the operations of BHP.