Statement from the Committee for Geelong CEO, Jennifer Cromarty
“The Committee for Geelong gladly welcomes the decision by the Australian Tax Office to maintain a presence in Geelong.
“Over several months, the Committee for Geelong has written to the Federal Treasurer, met with Senator Sarah Henderson, contacted the Assistant Commissioners and local employees at the Australian Tax Office as well as contacted media and local stakeholders with our concerns about the pending decision to close the Geelong ATO office.
“We were particularly concerned for additional job losses while unemployment rates continue to rise due to the pandemic and the projected impact on the supply chains, where job losses would also be felt. The potential flow-on effects of the loss of local ATO jobs on our economy would affect other industries such as hospitality and retail as consumption spending would have decreased.
“Securing Geelong’s ATO office location reaffirms Geelong as a national success story of decentralisation of government agencies. It provides us with hope for the future of Geelong’s economy in a post-pandemic setting and reminds us that putting pressure on key decision makers and advocating for what is important to our community can influence the future of our region.
“We congratulate Senator Henderson on pushing for this decision and supporting the Committee for Geelong’s advocacy through to her Federal parliamentary colleagues. We are particularly thrilled for the Geelong employees of the ATO who have been deeply concerned about their future.”
Media Contact:
Holly Earl – Corporate Affairs Officer, Committee for Geelong
holly.earl@committeeforgeelong.com.au
0447 306 551