ATO, Justice Connect partner for new program

The ATO and Justice Connect are partnering to deliver a secondment program that will see an ATO officer working for Justice Connect. The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) will also play a key role as part of this program.

Justice Connect offers legal aid and assistance to people facing disadvantage who cannot afford a lawyer. The organisation recently joined the ATO’s Not-for-profit (NFP) Stewardship Group where they consult on major issues affecting the sector.

ATO law interpretation officer, Natasha Sekulic, will join Justice Connect’s advice team in April for six months.

The secondment also offers the ATO and the ACNC insights into the experience NFPs have when they interact with these agencies. Natasha’s experience working with NFP clients at Justice Connect will shed light on the issues and barriers people have, helping the ATO and ACNC to improve their products and services.

“I’m really excited to be undertaking this secondment as I have a lot of passion for the sector. I feel it will not only be a valuable learning experience, but will enable the ATO and the ACNC to gain a better insight into how they can better support and assist NFPs,” said Sekulic.

“I’m also looking forward to contributing and adding value to the great work done by Justice Connect through my ATO and ACNC experience.”

The ATO and ACNC have a strong collaborative relationship. They will share key insights and feedback gained through the secondment.

The ATO’s director of NFP Strategy and Client Experience, Rod Walker, said, “This is a fantastic example of collaboration and knowledge sharing that will only serve to improve our understanding of the issues NFPs face. The secondment represents our priority to enhance our engagement and support for this important sector. I am grateful to Justice Connect and the ACNC for working together with me on this initiative.”