NESB Community Advisory Group Forum minutes - 10 April 2008

2. Summary of the Tax Office's services to NESB communities

As chairperson of the forum, Fay Styman thanked participants for their attendance and in particular welcomed those attending this event for the first time. Fay asked that the forum be kept informal and interactive. During the course of the meeting, Fay encouraged participants to provide their feedback on how we can make tax easier and to talk to us about the issues that are impacting on the NESB community.

In setting the context for this meeting Fay explained her role within the organisation and how it fits into the business lines within the Tax Office. In addition, the Tax Office is committed to a public education program and has demonstrated this by making a significant investment in the activities that support this program.

Fay explained the role of the Marketing Communications Line (MCL) and the communication strategies we develop to inform and educate the community on new policy initiatives.

It is the role of the Special Audiences Unit to implement the overarching strategy specifically developed for the NESB community.

Fay then provided the participants with a presentation that outlined:

• the communication channels the Tax Office uses
• details of products and services that are available and specifically tailored to meet the needs of the NESB community, and
• help and advice by Community Relations Officers and contact details.

Lastly, Fay discussed details of the action items that were raised during the last meeting of this forum and demonstrated how the Tax Office has acted on the issues and areas of concern that were raised by participants during discussions.

Action item:	1/2008 Send details of 'Help and Advice' contact numbers to participants.
Responsibility:	Richard To
Due date:	2 May 2008

Action item:	2/2008 Send the PowerPoint presentation and details of the mailbox communityadvisorygroups@ato.gov.au to participants for email correspondence and seminar requests.
Responsibility:	Michela Rupena
Due date:	2 May 2008

Action item:	3/2008 Send the action items list from the last forums to the participants.
Responsi:bility	Michela Rupena
Due date:	2 May 2008

Sections within Agenda items

• 1. Welcome and introduction
• 2. Summary of the Tax Office's services to NESB communities
• 3. Open forum - Community feedback/comments and discussion