Australian Government's commitment
The Australian Government has extended its commitment to increase Peppol eInvoicing adoption in the Budget 2024–25External Link. By leading the implementation of eInvoicing the Government aims to improve cash flow, disrupt payment redirection scams and boost productivity across the economy.
For these and other benefits to be realised, governments across the country need to use eInvoicing and encourage the businesses they interact with to use it too.
In mid-2022 many Australian Government entities were mandated to be able to receive eInvoices and 16,000 Australian businesses were registered on the Peppol Network. Two years on and this number has jumped to over 135,000; with 129 Australian Government entities, and more than 300 state and territory government entities and local councils also getting on board.
With the network growing, we now need to focus on increasing the volume of transactions supporting the government's supply chain.
Australian Government entities
Building on the 1 July 2022 mandate to receive eInvoices, the next stage for Australian Government entities is to increase the uptake of eInvoicing in Australia in line with the recommendations agreed to in the Government response to the Statutory Review of the Payment Times Reporting Act 2020External Link:
- 13.1 – Promote the adoption of eInvoicing by all businesses.
- 13.2 – Adopt the full functionality of eInvoicing across Commonwealth agencies.
The main role for the government is as a buyer of goods and services and supporting businesses by paying eInvoices more quicklyExternal Link.
- If you’re already able to receive eInvoices, but eInvoicing is not yet fully integrated with your finance or ERP system and automated workflows, consider uplifting your accounts payable capability. Also, include eInvoicing in your procurement and contract templates as the preferred way to receive invoices.
- Consider your accounts receivable volumes and processes, and investigate how you may embed eInvoicing as your default channel when sending invoices to businesses or other government agencies.
To find out more about how the ATO is helping agencies meet their obligations, or to join our GovTEAMS community for peer support and to tap into more detailed information, email einvoicing@ato.gov.au
Check the full list of eInvoicing-enabled Australian Government entities.
State and territory governments
The ATO is also working with state and territory governments who are also furthering eInvoicing adoption in their jurisdictions.
- Most New South Wales GovernmentExternal Link agencies can receive eInvoices.
- Most South Australian GovernmentExternal Link agencies can receive eInvoices.
- Most Australian Capital Territory GovernmentExternal Link agencies can receive eInvoices.
- Many Queensland GovernmentExternal Link agencies can both receive and send eInvoices.
- The Western Australian GovernmentThis link will download a file has run an eInvoicing program as part of its Digital Strategy Roadmap to help them plan for a larger-scale implementation.
- The Tasmanian GovernmentExternal Link is aiming to introduce eInvoicing across its agencies by July 2025.
- The Victorian GovernmentThis link will download a file has also committed to eInvoicing.
- The Northern Territory Government has invested in InvoiceNTGExternal Link a web-based portal to support their businesses – while not Peppol eInvoicing, it provides an alternative to emailed PDF invoices, limiting scam opportunities and increasing efficiency.
To connect with the eInvoicing lead in your state or territory, email us at einvoicing@ato.gov.au
Local government
For more information about eInvoicing and to find out how we can help your council, email us at einvoicing@ato.gov.au
Getting started and getting the most out of eInvoicing
Many government entities are using eInvoicing, including here at the ATO.
If you’ve not yet got onboard, adding eInvoicing as a channel to government finance systems is essentially the same as for medium and large businesses.
To make sure your eInvoicing capabilities are appropriate and you’re maximising the efficiency and productivity benefits for both you and your suppliers read our:
• Guide to receiving and processing eInvoices
• Large business supplier onboarding support
For more technical advice or for tailored help to increase the volume of eInvoices you receive, contact eInvoicing@ato.gov.au