Join ABN
Or Call 1300 856 710

Latest News

All the latest news and events from the Bookkeeping Industry

ATO Overhauls Public Promise

No matter what you might think of the ATO, the ATO have confirmed that they're more than happy to hear about it with a review of the ATO Charter signalling greater openness to public engagement.

The ATO Charter is their public promise set out in the 1990s to help give clarity on what the ATO commits to and how to engage productively with it.

It seems though the 65+ page document was anything but clear, confirmed by public consultation instigated by the ATO in the recent review.

Consequently, Assistant Commissioner, External Engagement and Governance at Australian Taxation Office, Katherine Philp, confirms a major overhaul of the Charter has transformed it into something more meaningful for the public.

“In a major review and consultation process that included over 30 formal submissions, we’ve taken the Charter from 65 pages to three pages,” said Katherine.

“We haven’t changed any fundamental commitments, but now it’s a more powerful document in its brevity and simplicity.

“It makes clearer our intent, what our commitments are and what we ask of people,” continued Katherine. “Importantly, there is still more information about processes, for example, which you can access by supporting links if you want that level of detail.”

Katherine goes on to explain the significance of the Charter, which reflects the agency’s work as a critical service for the Australian community.

“We extend our thanks to everyone from the public involved in this process, which we think is so important to how we work,” said Katherine.

“Trust and confidence from the Australian community is essential for us to administer the tax system well.

“We’re proud that the national Prime Minister and Cabinet public survey rated us the highest in public trust, which was above 80%.

“The Charter is designed to help maintain that trust and to be a reference point,” continued Katherine. “Whenever there is ever concern with the ATO, people can read the Charter, be assured that a negative experience was not our intention, and they can do something about resolving their concern.”

“The updated Charter acknowledges it may be harder to meet obligations if you are experiencing vulnerability, or are impacted by crisis events and we will take people’s circumstances into account where we can. We can work with people to better meet their needs. “

Category
ABN
Published
13 Jul 2023
NEXT ATO adds pre-fill to PAYG
PREV ATO Failure to Lodge Penalty Remission Period for SMEs
Back to news listing

Click here to subscribe