Tax Commissioner Chris Jordan will leave the ATO in February after a decade in the role, announcing the decision in an address to staff yesterday during a presentation of the 2023-24 corporate plan.
He confirmed his second term would be his last and gave himself a distinguished pass mark for his achievements in the role.
“As you know, my current term as Commissioner ends on 29 February 2024, which means this is my last corporate plan,” he said.
“Ten years ago, I said I want the ATO to be trusted and respected here and internationally. I said I want the tax and super systems to be fair, efficient, and sustainable, and for the ATO to be recognised and valued as a necessary part of the Australian community.
“I have to say, the past decade has flown by, but I can confidently look back and reflect on my statement from 10 years ago and say – we’ve done these things – and more.”
He said extensive consultation when he began the role informed the ATO’s plans in its 2020 Vision, which “aimed to put the staff and client experience at the centre of everything we do”.
“We drove improvements in digital systems, the way we use data, and how we engage and support taxpayers to meet their obligations,” he said.
“By 2018, we had made significant progress and to keep up momentum, we launched our new vision Towards 2024.
“Speaking of time flying by, believe it or not, 2024 is just around the corner, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together since then. Together, we have driven a significant program of transformation.
“This has been both internal and external – and we did it all in a deliberate and considered way.”
“We’ve transformed externally by putting our clients first, consulting widely with tax practitioners and the community, and increasing our digital service options. And the proof is in the pudding – the latest Trust in Australian Public Services report saw us come out on top with 81 per cent of people saying they trust the ATO.”
“The thing about the ATO is we do not accept the status quo. If there’s a better way to do something, we’re open to it. We need to build on this and keep pushing and delivering.”
“I want to make it clear I’ll be keeping my foot on the pedal over the next sevem months! Each day, we need to keep our core purpose front of mind – and ask ourselves: how do we best contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of Australians by fostering willing participation in the tax, super and registry systems?
“Reflecting on our journey over the past 10 years, I am proud of everything we have achieved.
“As we turn our minds to 2024 and beyond, I’m confident our strong foundations and shared goals will ensure we continue to be a world-leading tax administration and one of the highest performing APS agencies.”
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