The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) wants to know how it can better support people and small business owners who are doing it tough — and the Chamber wants to make sure the small business voice is heard loud and clear.
The ATO has just released its draft Vulnerability Framework, which outlines how the agency plans to improve its interactions with people experiencing challenges such as financial hardship, health issues, language barriers, and other personal or business pressures.
While the ATO can’t change its role as Australia’s tax collector, we’re told it is aiming to improve how it behaves — with a greater focus on fairness, empathy and support.
What’s in the draft framework?
The ATO’s plan focuses on four main areas of its operations: support, services, design and staff and is built around six guiding principles:
So, can the ATO walk the talk?
This is where we want to hear from you. The SA Business Chamber is preparing feedback on behalf of South Australian businesses to share with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) for their submission to the ATO.
We’re particularly interested in:
Have your say
Submissions to the ATO close Friday 18 July 2025, so we’re keen to hear from you by Friday 11 July 2025
