ASU Advised ATO Staff to Seek Pay Determination

The Australian Services Union has directed tax office members to bypass industrial action for a Fair Work Commission review.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Unions

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heavy steel block balanced against a red prism, representing institutional wage arbitration. — The Australian Services Union has directed tax office staff to pursue a formal pay determination through the Fair Work Commission. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Australian Services Union Taxation Officers Branch has advised members to seek a pay determination from the Fair Work Commission. This follows the release of an initial pay offer from the Commonwealth government for the Australian Public Service.

Why it matters

The union labelled the anticipated pay offer as a low-ball proposal that fails to keep pace with inflation. By seeking a commission determination, members are looking to secure a better outcome than the government's current stance.

The union projects the forthcoming pay offer will fall between 8% and 10%. This comes after the Commonwealth government released its initial pay offer on 13 October 2026.

The players

Australian Services Union

This is a major trade union representing employees across various sectors including the Australian Taxation Office.

Fair Work Commission

This is Australia's national workplace relations tribunal responsible for setting pay determinations and resolving industrial disputes.

Australian Taxation Office

This is the principal revenue collection agency of the Australian government.

The details

The union is encouraging staff to opt for a formal determination through the Fair Work Commission rather than participating in industrial action. Officials argue that the proposed pay increases do not adequately address the current cost-of-living pressures facing public servants.

13 October 2026: The Commonwealth government released its initial pay offer.

Political Context

The government is expected to argue that its offer remains within budget constraints and reflects the current national economic climate. Opposition may emerge from those who believe centralizing wage negotiations through the Fair Work Act 2009 undermines individual agency bargaining.

Tax office employees may face uncertainty regarding their upcoming salary adjustments as the dispute process unfolds. For the public, this action could potentially signal future disruptions to tax services if the dispute remains unresolved through formal channels.

The takeaway

Workers are increasingly turning to formal commission oversight to challenge wage offers they deem insufficient. Keeping track of Fair Work Commission rulings can provide insight into broader public sector salary trends.