Rob Heferen, Commissioner of Taxation
Corporate plan 2026–27 launch
Canberra, 20 July 2026
(Check against delivery)
Good morning everyone.
And welcome to the launch of our corporate plan.
Whether you’re in the room, at a site event, or tuning in virtually, I encourage you to get involved over the coming weeks – ask questions, share perspectives, and really take the opportunity to connect with each other and with the work ahead.
Because today is more than just the launch of a document.
It’s an important point in our year where we pause, reflect, and look ahead together.
The timing of our corporate plan this year is perfect – it aligns with the release of our ATO Strategy.
Together they provide a clear, shared direction for all of us. They help us align our efforts, focus our priorities, and stay connected to the outcomes we deliver for government and for the Australian community.
So, let me start with why this matters.
At the heart of what we do is something fundamental. Through administering the tax system, we help fund the services Australians rely on every day – hospitals, schools, infrastructure, disability support, income support and so on.
That’s not abstract. That’s real, tangible impact.
It’s worth pausing on that, because in the day-to-day detail of our work, it can be easy to lose sight of just how central our role is.
And that’s why that shared clarity – particularly in a complex and changing environment – is incredibly important.
Our ATO Strategy builds on our purpose, vision and Our Performance Evolution.
Our purpose is clear: we collect tax so government can deliver services for the Australian community.
Everything we do links back to that core role.
And when we do it well, we move toward our vision – an Australia where every taxpayer meets their obligations because:
- complying is easy
- help is tailored to their needs, and
- deliberate non–compliance has consequences.
Our Performance Evolution asks us to:
- Think bigger
- Act bolder, and
- Deliver together.
And the next foundational piece – our Strategy – outlines the 5 shifts that will move us from reacting and correcting, to designing a system where more taxpayers comply by default from the start.
Those 5 shifts are:
- Shift 1 – Simplifying the tax experience
- Shift 2 – Closing the payment gap
- Shift 3 – Strengthening the system
- Shift 4 – Partnering across the ecosystem
- Shift 5 – Equipping a future ready workforce.
That’s the system we are collectively shaping.
Importantly, you’ll see it consistently reflected right throughout the plan.
And our Strategy will help us deliver on our 4 key activities.
- First, we collect the right amount of tax, in accordance with the law, and in the most efficient way for government and taxpayers.
- Second, we deliver fair, secure and transparent interactions—making it easy to comply and hard not to.
- Third, we manage our responsibilities in the super system, supporting the retirement savings of Australians.
- And fourth, we administer payments and transfers on behalf of government.
In combination, especially the first 3 are the foundation of the ATO’s core contribution to the community.
Priorities and performance
From that foundation, we then look at where we need to focus.
As I noted earlier, this is where our ATO Strategy comes in front and centre.
We have identified a set of actions – our priorities under each strategic shift to focus on for this year.
These will be our 2026–27 Priorities. We will talk about these a bit more in the panel discussion.
Importantly, they guide how we focus our effort and how we allocate our resources.
Because we can’t do everything at once – and being clear on what matters most is critical.
Our people and our culture
Ultimately, none of this happens without you. Capability comes back to people.
Delivering on this plan relies on our collective effort – and on the capability and commitment of all of us.
We are continuing to invest in building that capability. Investing in leadership, building skills, and creating an environment where you are supported to do your best work every day.
And just as importantly, it’s about culture.
The way we work together. The standards we set. The behaviours we value.
Our Culture Commitments – launched recently – are a really important part of this. They’re not just words – they shape how we show up every day.
And over time, they shape the trust others place in us.
Working with our partners
And we don’t do that in isolation either.
Strong partnerships are central to how we deliver our work.
We operate as part of a broader regulatory system – alongside partners like the Tax Practitioners BoardExternal Link and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.External Link
As part of the Treasury portfolio, we work closely with Treasury and our ministers to make sure policy lands well in practice – and delivers for the Australian community.
Our partnership with Treasury is central. It’s a two–way relationship – supporting policy development and bringing back what we’re seeing on the ground to make the system better.
We also play a key role in whole–of–government forums and taskforces, helping coordinate responses to things like fraud, serious financial crime and system integrity.
Strong partnerships remain central to how we will implement the new plan and deliver our work over the year ahead.
We will continue to work closely with government, industry, community partners and international stakeholders to support a fair, effective and trusted tax system.
Bringing the plan to life
So that brings me to what happens next.
The plan itself is important – but what really matters is how we bring it to life.
Today’s panel discussion, and the site–based sessions over the coming weeks, are an opportunity to hear from your leaders, deepen your understanding, and think about what this means for you in your day–to–day work.
I’d encourage you to actively engage.
Ask questions. Share your insights. And look for the connection between your role and the broader outcomes we’re trying to achieve.
Closing
This plan and the strategy give us clarity and direction.
But outcomes aren’t delivered by a plan – they’re delivered by people. By you.
The decisions you make. The judgement you apply. And the professionalism you bring every day.
So thank you – for the work you do, for your ongoing commitment, and for the contribution you make to the Australian community.
I’m confident in what we can achieve together over the year ahead.
I look forward to the conversations that follow.