What we will do
Respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community are important to us, as we continue to support reconciliation and ensure our services are culturally appropriate.
We build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by being aware of, acknowledging and respecting the unique cultures and lived experiences.
The dimensions of reconciliation / Closing the Gap we refer to in the actions below are Reconciliation Australia's dimensions of reconciliation, and Closing the Gap's priority reforms and socio-economic targets.
Action 5 – increase understanding, value and recognition
Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility | Dimensions of Reconciliation / Closing the Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
5.1 Conduct a review of cultural learning needs to align with the APS Cultural Capability Hub | December 2024, then annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
5.2 Implement and communicate the cultural learning strategy | December 2024, then annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
5.3 All RAP Working Group members, HR managers, senior executive group and all new staff to undertake formal and structured cultural learning | June, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
5.4 95% of staff to complete online, Indigenous Australian cultural awareness training | June, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
5.5 A minimum of 2 facilitated training sessions (in person or virtual) available to all staff each quarter | March, June, September, December annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
5.6 Participate in cultural immersion opportunities, including: 6 Jawun secondments open to APS6 to SES1 staff 2 Jawun executive visits open to senior leaders | June, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Equality and equity Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
Action 6 – demonstrate respect by observing cultural protocols
Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility | Dimensions of Reconciliation / Closing the Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
6.1 Review and update the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols guide, tailored for local communities we operate in, including protocols for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country | February 2025, then annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
6.2 Invite a Traditional Owner or Custodian to provide a Welcome to Country or other appropriate cultural protocol at 5 events, including: National Reconciliation Week NAIDOC Week celebrations site-sponsored and corporate events (e.g., building openings, leadership conferences, external industry events) | June, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO Corporate | Race relations Equality and equity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
6.3 Senior leaders and staff provide an Acknowledgment of Country or other appropriate protocols at the commencement of key meetings and public events | June, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Institutional integrity Unity Priority reform 3 |
6.4 Display Acknowledgment of Country plaques, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in all ATO buildings | June, annually | Deputy Commissioner, Enterprise Strategy & Design | Institutional integrity Unity Priority reform 3 |
Action 7 – celebrate NAIDOC Week
Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility | Dimensions of Reconciliation / Closing the Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
7.1 RAP Working Group to participate in 2 external NAIDOC Week events | July, annually | Deputy Commissioner, Enterprise Strategy & Design | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
7.2 Promote First Nations Ceremonial leave and NAIDOC leave policy to managers to remove barriers to staff participating in cultural activities | April, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
7.3 Support all staff to participate in 2 NAIDOC Week events in their local area | July, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 3 |
7.4 In consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, support 5 external NAIDOC Week events, e.g. community events | July, annually | Deputy Commissioner, ATO People | Race relations Equality and equity Institutional integrity Unity Historical acceptance Priority reform 1 Priority reform 3 |
Action 8 – improve accessibility of products, resources and support
Deliverable | Timeline | Responsibility | Dimensions of Reconciliation / Closing the Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
8.1 Review and expand offering of products in language for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients | December 2026 | Deputy Commissioner, ATO Corporate | Race relations Equality and equity Institutional integrity Priority reform 3 Socio-economic target 16 |
8.2 Review and expand offering of animations/videos to communicate tax, superannuation and registry information | December 2026 | Deputy Commissioner, ATO Corporate | Race relations Equality and equity Institutional integrity Priority reform 3 Socio-economic target 16 |