The union representing the public sector including Australian Tax Office workers, the CPSU, welcomes reports this morning that the government has decided to save the Geelong tax office.
Three months ago, the Geelong ATO office were informed of a 4-week consultation process leading to an office closure, that would result in the loss of 121 jobs. Staff were told that as a result of building occupancy and costs the office was no longer viable.
CPSU members have lobbied all sides of politics, including meetings with federal and state politicians, approached local government and launched a petition to save their jobs.
CPSU Deputy National Secretary Beth Vincent-Pietsch said, “We would welcome the ATO making the right decision – keeping jobs and services in Geelong is going to be a crucial component of the regional recovery post-COVID.
“The members deserve this win. They left no stone unturned to keep their jobs and protect regional economies.”
“This campaign has highlighted the need to strengthen and grow public services in our regions.
“We know that since 2013 over 18,000 or 11% of public service jobs have been cut under successive Liberal governments, causing enormous damage to the capacity of the Commonwealth to deliver policy and essential services that all Australians rely upon.
“Regional Australia desperately needs more jobs and better access to public services and government support. Creating new APS jobs in regional towns will deliver major benefits for communities and more job opportunities for APS staff.
