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Acknowledgment of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them, their cultures, and Elders past and present. We recognise the unique relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country, culture, and community, and the important role this plays in us all walking together as Australians.
We value the contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to our organisation and the broader tax, superannuation and registry systems.
Cultural sensitivity statement
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this document may contain images or content referring to deceased persons.
Message from the Commissioner of Taxation
Rob Heferen, Commissioner of Taxation, Registrar of the Australian Business Register, Australian Business Registry Services, and Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets
I am pleased to present our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024–27.
The work we do is fundamental to sustaining a strong economy that contributes to the wellbeing of our community. In this RAP, we commit to improving economic inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians by enhancing our services and better supporting participation in the taxation system.
We recognise that reconciliation initiatives are about rebalancing our systems and structures to move towards greater equity and unity in Australian society. To this end, we are committed to transforming our organisation in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, using the RAP as a blueprint to further embed reconciliation into our day-to-day work.
We are focused on creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees thrive in fulfilling careers and culturally safe workplaces. Our aim is to be an organisation that people from all backgrounds genuinely want to work for and with, that reflects the diversity of the community we serve.
This is the ATO’s sixth RAP and our fourth at the Stretch level, which positions us as a leader in the APS in advancing reconciliation internally and within our sphere of influence. It sets out an ambitious delivery agenda. In developing it, we’ve reflected on our past successes as well as the lessons learned through the implementation of previous plans. We consulted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and representatives from key partners, to ensure our RAP hits the mark.
We listened to, and are acting upon, the feedback that we received by further building:
- our engagement with, development of, and networking opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
- our communication with, and in-person assistance to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander taxpayers.
I acknowledge the work of our RAP Champions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Champions and the RAP Working Group, for their efforts in developing this plan. Together with our first, and newly appointed, ATO Executive member RAP Champion, Second Commissioner Jeremy Hirschhorn, their daily efforts to improve reconciliation outcomes will be critical to ensuring our continued progress and success.
Message from the Reconciliation Australia CEO
Karen Mundine, Chief Executive Officer, Reconciliation Australia
On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I congratulate the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) on renewing its formal commitment to reconciliation, as it implements its fourth Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and its sixth RAP overall.
Formed around the pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, the RAP program helps organisations realise the critical role they can play in driving reconciliation across their work and area of expertise. Through the creation of this Stretch RAP, the ATO continues to contribute to the ever-growing community of RAP organisations that have taken this consideration and goodwill and transformed it into action.
As the government’s principal revenue collection agency, the ATO holds considerable influence towards the economic and social welfare of all Australians. To this end, the ATO has a significant role to play in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to financial wellbeing. Understanding this influence and that reconciliation requires a rebalancing of systems and structures to further equity, the ATO aims to tackle systemic barriers, support the community-controlled sector, and improve the management of data and information sharing in its new RAP.
This renewed commitment aims to sustain its forward momentum in the reconciliation space and is built upon the ATO’s experiences and lessons garnered in previous RAPs.
To address accessibility barriers to financial wellness resources, the ATO invested in tax assistance and tailored education programs, which included translating information into 13 Aboriginal languages and a dedicated Indigenous Helpline.
Furthermore, we know that supports are more effective when those identifying and working to remove barriers represent or have a deep understanding of those experiencing them. The ATO seeks to address this through initiatives like the Evergreen Program, which aims to attract and maintain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
The ATO has worked to increase the impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff recruitment and retention initiatives by building development pathways through leadership and professional learning programs. The transformative influence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples helping to build services that affect them is only strengthened through leadership and decision-making pathways.
As it considers its new commitments to the continued improvement of economic inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the ATO notes that governance and accountability play pivotal roles in driving strong reconciliation outcomes. By establishing clear accountability structures for reconciliation commitments, the ATO is taking meaningful steps to ensure they are met.
Accessibility and availability of culturally appropriate services remain key determinants of equitable economic and social inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Understanding that this work starts with adequate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within its staff cohort, the ATO is renewing its focus on increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff retention and career development opportunities. This internal representation can drive improved uptake of its services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, narrowing the gap in economic wellbeing and independence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
With its considerable staff base and daily direct connection with so many Australians, the ATO has the potential to drive considerable reconciliation outcomes across its sphere of influence. On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I commend the ATO on this Stretch RAP and look forward to following its ongoing reconciliation journey.
RAP artwork – Ajarku Muruu
Our RAP artwork, Ajarku Muruu (aja-koo muh-roo), was created by Chern’ee Sutton. A proud Kalkadoon woman from Mount Isa, Chern’ee is passionate about her culture and wants to share it with the world. Chern’ee’s unique style involves traditional Aboriginal heritage with a contemporary twist.
Chern’ee is passionate about reconciliation and equality, having worked with many government and community organisations to bring reconciliation to life through art.
Chern’ee explained:
The artwork I have created, ‘Ajarku Muruu’ – All One Country in the Kalkadoon language – represents reconciliation through the harmony of elements showcasing the diversity of cultures across Australia.
The map of Australia represents our beautiful country, with a community symbol in the centre demonstrating the diverse people who make up our nation.
The travelling lines leading out of the centre represent the ATO’s connection to all communities. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander story of Australia is a big story of vast landscapes with a richness of diversity.
The 2 rings surrounding the map of Australia symbolise the ATO’s vision for reconciliation. In these rings, the kangaroo and emu footprints represent moving towards a reconciled Australia. This recognises our shared history, and demonstrates valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and relationships.
The community symbols represent all Australians coming together. These U-shaped symbols represent Aboriginal men as U shapes with spears, Aboriginal women as U shapes with coolamons and digging sticks, and Aboriginal children as the smaller U shapes, while Torres Strait Islander peoples are signified through the Dhari.
The boomerang represents the reoccurring interactions the ATO has with its clients.
The mountains, water and leaves around the edge of the design represent the landscapes throughout Australia, from the deserts, mountains, coastlines and rivers to the rainforests and bushlands.
The footprints represent the ATO’s journey from the past to the present and into a brighter future. They represent a shared respect and connection between Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians.