The Australian Public Service Commission has released the findings of its “capability review” of the ATO highlighting opportunities for improvement. The review highlighted various strengths of the agency, but noted that the ATO needs to undergo “transformational change”. The Commission said the taxpayer community will demand greater access to improved services in a digital world, including a single point of access for engaging with government. The policy agenda will continue to challenge existing resources, and there will be an ongoing expectation that scarce resources be used more efficiently.
The report said the challenge for the ATO is to transform its existing processes, systems, and culture to be more agile, responsive, efficient and effective. The report highlighted the following priority areas for the ATO’s consideration: (1) developing a forward-looking, enterprise-wide strategy; (2) developing ICT efficiency and agility; (3) building the future workforce; (4) streamlining governance arrangements and structures; and (5) improving external connectedness.
The Tax Commissioner, Chris Jordan, welcomed the report and said the ATO is “at a point where we need to make changes that will better position us to move forward”. In that context, Mr Jordan said the “findings from the review fit well with the broader transformational reform agenda I have begun that will shape and define our future direction”.
The review report is available on the Commission website
[LTN 236, 5/12/13]