17/03/2026
With new deadlines and performance targets set for the ATO to address long-standing service issues raised by the Ombudsman, the Australian Bookkeepers Association (ABA) has joined a new working group tasked with overseeing improvements for BAS agents and accountants.
ABA Directors Peter Thorp and Kerrie Jarius have been appointed to the ATO’s newly formed Tax Practitioner Improvement Consultation Group, set up to respond to concerns highlighted in the Ombudsman’s review of services to registered agents.
The report, released in late 2025, identified key areas for improvement, particularly gaps in Online Services for Agents (OSfA), service quality on the ATO’s registered agent phone line, and ongoing issues with Client Agent Linking (CAL).
Following the group’s first meeting, Peter said he was encouraged by the level of engagement from senior ATO leadership and the early focus on practical solutions.
“To me there was an overwhelming commitment from the ATO, which is really good to see,” Peter said, “This is a large body of work and there won’t be any quick fixes, but it’s one of those win-win projects if it’s done properly.”
Read the full article here: https://austbook.net/news/new-working-group-kicks-off-ato-changes-for-agents
