Aboriginal business leader backs landmark ATO review

Aboriginal businessman Pat Caruso has welcomed a national review into how the Australian Taxation Office engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander taxpayers and businesses, saying the process should also consider the needs of emerging Aboriginal enterprises.

The review is being led by Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen, the independent watchdog of the ATO and the tax system. The Tax Ombudsman has released the terms of reference for the review, which will examine barriers faced by First Nations taxpayers, how the ATO consults and partners with communities, and whether its outreach programs are appropriately targeted.

Mr Caruso, founder and director of We Create Print Deliver, runs an organisation that includes a business incubator supporting start-ups. He said he hoped the review would consider how the tax system supports emerging Aboriginal businesses.

“In many ways, we’re looking at the first generation of Aboriginal businesses. The potential is enormous, but for many, this is new territory as they find their footing. I’d welcome stronger conversations around how we can create genuine economic opportunities within our communities,” Mr Caruso said.

Ms Owen said early consultations with Aboriginal community organisations and peak bodies had highlighted challenges in how the system serves First Nations taxpayers and businesses.

“We heard that a lack of targeted and appropriately designed education and engagement has meant the tax system can often feel alien, confusing and at times frightening for First Nations people,” Ms Owen said.

“We want to know what’s working and what’s not, and more importantly, we want to explore the practical improvements we can recommend to the ATO to better support First Nations taxpayers, businesses and the people who represent them,” Ms Owen said.

The consultation is being supported by Jindawayni, a 100 per cent Aboriginal-owned business managed by Kokatha woman Amy Rust. Ms Rust said practical barriers were a key concern, particularly for people in remote communities.

“The reality is the tax system wasn’t designed with our people’s cultures or lived realities in mind. On top of that, there are very real practical barriers, particularly in remote communities,” Ms Rust said.

“There are benefits in tools like myGov, but that assumes individual access. If you’re sharing a phone with family, the system just doesn’t fit how people actually live.”

Ms Owen said the ATO was expected to adapt its operations to meet the needs of all Australians, including First Nations people, under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap’s Priority Reform Three, which focuses on transforming government organisations.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander taxpayers and businesses can contribute to the review by attending a community yarning session, completing the online survey or making a submission. Yarning sessions are expected to run across metropolitan, regional and remote locations over the next three months.

“We’ve made a real effort to get out to places that don’t always get visited. From Ceduna on Wirangu Country to Geraldton on Yamatji Country to Lismore on Bundjalung Country, I reckon we’ve got a pretty good spread. And if there’s not one in your town, or you don’t have time, we’d still love to hear from people through the online survey,” Ms Rust said.

“All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander taxpayers and businesses are welcome to have their say.”