Aug 3, 2026 – 4.00pmFormer treasurer Joe Hockey said it was normal for wealthy people to be embroiled in disputes with the Australian Taxation Office as the businessman defended his role as chairman of Lee family office, which had been pursued by authorities over $273 million in unpaid taxes.Hockey, who launched his own consulting firm Bondi Partners after a long political and diplomatic career, suggested criticism of the Lee family office, and in particular its chief executive Felix Lee, could be fuelled by racism.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles