New budget measures
The ATO provided an update on key budget measures affecting individuals, including:
- changes to negative gearing
- work-related expense deductions
- the Working Australian tax offset
- capital gains tax.
The ATO outlined implementation timeframes, consultation opportunities and future guidance activities to support individuals and their representatives.
Member feedback
Members welcomed the early engagement on the measures and highlighted the importance of clear, timely and accessible guidance. Members noted that practical examples, calculators and tailored communications would assist individuals in understanding how the changes may apply to their circumstances.
Members discussed the need for clear messaging regarding trusts, deceased estates and arrangements supporting people with disability. Members noted the value of guidance that provides certainty for families and helps address emerging community questions.
ATO strategy
The ATO sought member feedback on the strategic shifts outlined in its recently released strategy. Discussion focused on:
- simplifying the tax experience
- closing the payment gap
- strengthening the system
- partnering across the ecosystem and equipping a future-ready workforce.
The ATO shared examples of initiatives supporting these strategic shifts, including:
- Payday Super
- investments in digital tools and calculators
- enhanced service delivery capabilities
- improvements to workforce technology and processes.
Member feedback
Members generally supported the strategic direction and welcomed the focus on simplification, partnerships and supporting individuals through increasingly digital interactions.
Members noted the importance of clear communication and readily available support services, particularly for people experiencing vulnerability or navigating complex circumstances. Members also welcomed the strategy's recognition of the important role community organisations and other partners play in supporting individuals to engage with the tax and super systems.
Members highlighted the ongoing value of digital improvements and initiatives such as Payday Super, noting their potential to improve transparency and confidence in the system.
Communicating with culturally and linguistically diverse communities
The ATO facilitated a discussion on improving engagement with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. The discussion explored communication channels, accessibility, audience preferences and the evolving information environment.
Member feedback
Members recognised the challenges associated with communicating effectively across diverse audiences and acknowledged the importance of tailoring communication approaches to meet differing needs and preferences.
Members discussed the increasing role of digital platforms, social media and AI-enabled tools in how individuals access information. Members noted the importance of understanding where audiences seek information and ensuring trusted, authoritative content remains accessible through those channels.
Members highlighted the value of working with trusted intermediaries and community organisations to help amplify key messages and reach audiences who may not engage directly with government websites or services.
Members also discussed digital exclusion, misinformation and trust as continuing challenges across a range of communities and noted the importance of clear, accessible and user-focused communications.
Attendees
|
Organisation |
Attendee |
|---|---|
|
ATO |
Grant Brodie (Chair), Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
ATO |
Anita Challan, Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
ATO |
Kelly Norwood, Frontline Risk and Strategy |
|
ATO |
Renee Jones, Superannuation and Employer Obligations |
|
ATO |
Robert Thomson, Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
ATO |
Ziva White, Individuals and Intermediaries |
|
Australian Securities and Investments Commission |
Andrew Dadswell |
|
Consumer Action Law Centre |
Ally Stuart |
|
Financial Counselling Victoria |
Zyl Hovenga-Wauchope |
|
People with Disability Australia |
Julian Laurens |
|
Redfern Legal Centre |
Julia McClelland |
|
Relationships Australia |
Susan Cochrane |
|
Treasury |
Richard Maher |
Guest attendees
|
Organisation |
Attendee |
|---|---|
|
ATO |
Matthew Miller, Individuals and Intermediaries |
Apologies
|
Organisation |
Member |
|---|---|
|
Australian Multicultural Action Network |
Ravi Krishnamurthy |
|
Australian Shareholders Association Limited |
Eden Zanatta |
|
Financial Counselling Australia |
Lynda Edwards |
|
National Seniors Australia |
Brendon Radford |
|
Tax Clinic |
Connie Vitale |