Crocodile Dundee actor Paul Hogan is barred from leaving Australia

Paul Hogan who gained international fame for "Crocodile Dundee" allegedly owes multi-million tax bills

Crocodile Dundee actor Paul Hogan is barred from leaving Australia until he pays a multi-million dollar tax bill.

In a statement, his lawyer said the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) served United States-based Hogan with a departure prohibition order when the actor returned to Sydney last Friday for the funeral of  mother Florence.

"He is stunned and very disappointed that the government could treat him as a flight risk," said Hogan's lawyer.

"He denies the liability asserted by the ATO and has filed objections which have not been the subject of any response from the ATO. He will continue to defend his position through all available legal and other channels."

The tax office reportedly served Hogan with a tax bill last month for tax on $37.6 million. Hogan was investigated as part of nationwide tax fraud after he allegedlly put tens of millions of dollars in film royalties in offshore tax havens. The  actor has denied this claim saying he had "paid plenty of tax" in Australia.

"The process of detaining Paul in Australia away from his wife and child in Los Angeles has devastated Paul and he hopes that discussions between us and the ATO will lead to a prompt resolution allowing him to return to his family, and thereafter to travel to and from Australia as his personal and business needs require," his lawyer added.