Tax official denies conflict of interest in Michael Cranston request for help

A key prosecution witness believed there was little harm in former deputy tax commissioner Michael Cranston trying to arrange a meeting with the tax office over freezing orders affecting his son's business.

Australian Tax Office assistant commissioner Tony Poulakis took the stand on Tuesday in Sydney's District Court for the fourth day of Mr Cranston's trial on charges of allegedly abusing his position to benefit his son, Adam.