ATO implements specialist indigenous approach

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is to establish eight new positions directly aimed at explaining issues such as taxation and superannuation to indigenous communities.

The initiative was announced today by the Commissioner for Taxation, Michael D’Ascenzo, when launching the ATO’s “Reconciliation Action Plan”.

He said the ATO was establishing a project that looked at how it could improve the level of support and assistance it provided indigenous people, and how that help is provided, particularly to rural and remote communities.

“We recognise the value in having employees who allow us to better understand and meet the needs of Indigenous Australians in relation to tax and superannuation,” D’Ascenzo said.

“We have already implemented employment policies to encourage them to work at the ATO.”

“We are establishing eight Indigenous Liaison Contact Officer positions next year, to work with indigenous communities. Their role will positively impact on the relationship between the ATO and indigenous people, fostering a better understanding of their needs and making it easier to comply with taxation and superannuation.”

He said that the work carried out by the Liaison Contact Offices would include explaining taxation and superannuation changes at indigenous community forums (with technical support), attending various forums as a representative of the ATO, presenting segments on the National Indigenous Radio Service, assisting in the development of ATO products specifically designed for indigenous taxpayers, and more generally working with indigenous communities to co-design ways of better meeting their needs in relation to tax and superannuation.