The ATO aims to recruit a record 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as part of its Evergreen intake this year.
ATO assistant commissioner Andrew Watson said the program offered a stepping stone to a career in finance or tax.
“Our program opens up career pathways for Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander peoples who want to gain valuable work experience, build professional capabilities and learn new skills in an inclusive and diverse environment,” said Mr Watson.
“New ATO employees in the Evergreen Program will have opportunities to work in a range of client service areas to help taxpayers meet their obligations or assist in essential digital work such as analysis and cyber security with the support of experienced managers and mentors.”
Since the program started in 2014 it has attracted 601 recruits, with an 80 per cent retention rate to APS3 salary classification for those who completed the program, said the ATO.
Among employees who stayed on, almost half (48 per cent) had since been promoted to APS4 or executive level 1.
The ATO described the Evergreen Program as a 12-month development program that combined work experience and formal training with “a competitive salary package” of $59,374 plus 15.4 per cent superannuation.
The Tax Office said if successful the cohort of 150 individuals would be the largest to date, thanks to an increase in the scale of the scheme.
“Our program gives Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander employees a valuable toolkit of skills and experience they can use to further their careers,” said Mr Watson.
“Upon successful completion of our program, participants will have attained a formal qualification and promotion.”
“We have some big opportunities for employees in our Evergreen program to contribute to our growth and innovation to help shape the future of Australia’s tax and super systems, and in turn, the future of Australia.”
Evergreen participants complete two six-month rotations in different roles such as client engagement, administration officer, client experience officer or digital officer.
One participant, Ayla Howard, said the program was a positive investment in her career.
“Joining the Evergreen program has been the best thing I could’ve done for my future,” said Ms Howard.
“I have gained an amazing support team and mentor, and a career development manager who genuinely believes in my abilities.”
“This support has allowed me to blossom and reach goals that weren’t possible before I joined the ATO.”
Applications for the Evergreen program close 13 April with positions available throughout the country both regionally, such as Box Hill, Albury and Traralgon, as well as metropolitan areas.
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