ATO Review

The Jindawayni team is currently helping the Tax Ombudsman conduct a Review of the Australian Tax Office.

The Ombudsman

The Tax Ombudsman is the independent ‘watchdog’ that can investigate problems with the actions and systems of the tax office, and can help with complaints from community members about how the tax office dealt with their cases.

The Ombudsman operates independently – it is not the tax office and is not in any way involved in collecting tax. The Ombudsman was set up to ensure fairness and transparency in the Australian tax system.

The Review

The Tax Ombudsman is taking a close look at how the tax office works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and where things may need to be improved.

They’re running a big review to find improvements and make recommendations for both the ATO and maybe the Government. That includes potential changes to tax rules, as well as practical improvements to how the ATO works with Aboriginal communities.

Jindawayni’s role

The Tax Ombudsman has asked Jindawayni to help create space for mob to share their experiences dealing with the tax office.

We’re here to listen, and to pass on what we hear – the good, the bad and everything in between – so the Ombudsman understands what needs to change in the tax system.

We’ll be holding yarning sessions right across Australia, from Nyoongar to Jawoyn to Gadigal to Palawa to Wirangu, and everywhere in between, as well as online, so mob can join in wherever they are.

The process

Once the Ombudsman has finished listening to feedback and ideas from mob, organisations, businesses and others, they’ll write a report with recommendations about what needs to change in the tax system and how services could work better.

The Ombudsman can’t make the changes themselves or force anyone to accept the recommendations but they do present the report to the tax office and to the Government, and they meet directly with key decision-makers to push for change.

Your involvement

Anything you share will be kept strictly confidential. Your name and other details won’t be included in the report or shared with the tax office.

Only the Jindawayni team will have your contact details, and that’s just in case we need to follow up or let you know about other opportunities you might be interested in.

The Ombudsman is completely independent from the tax office and has nothing to do with collecting tax or compliance. Information obtained by the Tax Ombudsman cannot be shared or used for any other purpose.

Jindawayni

Jindawayni is a small Aboriginal-owned consultancy, led by Kokatha woman Amy Rust, with a mostly Aboriginal team.

Our approach to this project is straightforward and community-led. Jindawayni creates safe, relaxed spaces for mob to yarn, share experiences and speak honestly.

The focus is on listening properly and making sure what community says is heard by the people with the power to make change.