Our commitment to reconciliation
In the ATO, we're focused on creating an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees thrive in fulfilling careers and culturally safe workplaces. Our aim is to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community we serve.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan builds on our achievements and sets new goals for us to pursue in line with the National Agreement on Closing the GapExternal Link.
We're proud to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees through:
- the Moondani Indigenous employee network
- the Kawutilin Indigenous ally network
- Indigenous Liaison Officers who provide cultural advice and support to employees
- Indigenous Diversity Officers who support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders employees in their careers
- opportunities for career development, including mentoring programs, leadership pathways, secondments, tuition assistance programs for tertiary students and a series of professional development events
- the Inclusion and Diversity team and the ATO Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
- the Reconciliation Project team and the ATO Reconciliation Action Plan
- First Nations ceremonial leave and leave to attend NAIDOC WeekExternal Link activities.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and the initiatives we have in place to build and support a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Affirmative measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment
We're committed to increasing the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in the ATO. We do this by:
- applying an affirmative measure to some of our recruitment processes
- offering entry level programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
If we apply an affirmative measure provision to a recruitment process:
- the position is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- we let you know in the job advertisement and application form
- we use a competitive and culturally safe environment to assess suitability, focused on the work-related qualities required.
Affirmative measures aim to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They are permitted by the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.
Confirmation of heritage
To be eligible for employment under the affirmative measure, you must provide confirmation of your Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage.
You must provide us with documentation from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander incorporated organisation. The document must confirm or endorse that you:
- are an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander person, or both an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person identify as an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander person
- are accepted by your community as being an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander person.
A wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander incorporated organisations can provide confirmation. This includes but is not limited to:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land councils
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services.
Your Confirmation of Heritage must be on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation letterhead, and include:
- your full name, date of birth, and address
- date the Confirmation of Heritage is approved (you may also include a resolution number or directors meeting date)
- your signature and witness signature by a chairperson or authorised signatory (such as the Board of Directors)
- a common seal stamp by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation, or the Chairperson’s signature witnessed by a Board Director if a stamp is not available.
We'll ask you to provide your Confirmation of Heritage prior to issuing a job offer.
We acknowledge that Confirmation of Heritage is a sensitive matter and understand the complex history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We understand that in some cases obtaining official Confirmation of Heritage documentation can take some time, so we recommend you start the process as soon as possible.
Evergreen Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
If you're an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander person, the Evergreen Program is an entry level program that provides you with the opportunity to explore the different types of work we have to offer.
The Evergreen Program runs for 12 months with an ongoing role, regular on-the-job training, a formal qualification and opportunity for promotion on completion. It's a unique opportunity to work and learn with a close cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues.
Hear from our people
Hear from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and one of our SES Indigenous Champions on why they enjoy working with us.
Darius – Evergreen participant
'Prior to joining the Evergreen Program, I didn't have any office experience. Since then, I’ve completed a Certificate IV in Business as part of the Evergreen Program. I've worked on so many projects that I never thought I had the skills to do. I've had endless opportunities to develop and received many promotions. I’m now working as an Indigenous Liaison Officer, supporting the organisation to build cultural awareness and capability. It makes me proud that I’ve achieved the goals I set for myself.'
Nicole – SES Indigenous Champion
'I work on Wulgurukaba and Bindal Country. Since moving to the Townsville office, I have had regular opportunities to get involved in Indigenous events. I've seen first-hand the amazing talent and stories of my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and community members. Our office has one of the highest representations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees supported by large intakes of Evergreen participants who bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the job, enhancing our problem-solving abilities, improved customer service and connection to the community.'
Apply today
Visit our ATO Careers portal to:
- search and apply for jobs that have the affirmative measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment
- join our employment register to be considered for future jobs.
Set up a job alert profile to hear from us about jobs that match your skills as soon as they're advertised.
If you have any questions, you can email our Indigenous Liaison Officers at ATOCareers@ato.gov.au
