This series of fact sheets outlines your rights as employees of the ATO, including AVO employees.
The majority of your conditions are provided for in the ATO (General
Employees) Agreement 2009 if you are at the EL1 level or below. This is
generally referred to as the “GEA” or the “Agreement”. EL2 employees are covered
by the ATO EL2 Agreement 2009, although parts of the GEA also affect EL2s
because they deal with broad issues, such as the Client Service Window.
The ATO GE Agreement 2009 Fact Sheets deal with the GEA. Those about specific
EL2 issues are called ATO EL2 Agreement 2009 Fact Sheets
How do I get access to my rights?
Know what your entitlements are
Read the relevant CPSU Agreement 2009 Fact Sheet
Check the Agreement that covers you
Talk to your CPSU delegate or organiser, or call CPSU on 1300 137
636
Understand decisions that affect you
Talk to your team leader about decisions that impact on you. Ask the
reasons for decisions. Ask how the Agreement applies.
Talk to your CPSU delegate or organiser, or call CPSU on 1300 137
636. Ask what your rights are.
Get it in writing
Although it’s generally good to start with a discussion, request
access to your rights or entitlements in writing (vital if you want to
seek a review of a decision)
Ask for decisions in writing
Consider compromise
Often there isn’t a clear right or wrong answer. Showing you will
consider options in these situations can help you get most of what you
want, and could help you next time.
Right of review
You have the right to be represented by CPSU in all work-related matters. If
you disagree with a decision, talk to your CPSU delegate or call CPSU on 1300
137 636 immediately. They can help you use the Disputes Avoidance and Settlement
Procedures (DASP) in your Agreement or lodge a review of employment action.
The earlier you talk to CPSU about a work-related issue, the better the
potential outcomes are. Are all my entitlements and conditions contained in the
Agreement?
For the most part, your conditions and entitlements are specified in the
Agreement. Further detail about the Agreement is often provided in ATO
guidelines, but these cannot override the Agreement.
The Australian Government Employment Framework and Supporting Guidance
September 2009 outline the government policy on workplace relations,
remuneration, funding and staffing.
There is also legislation that determines your rights and obligations:
Public Service Act 1999 (the Act) is the principal Act governing the
establishment and operation of, and employment in, the Australian Public
Service
The Public Service Regulations 1999 make necessary or appropriate
provisions in relation to a range of matters for the purpose of giving
effect to the provisions of the Act.
The Public service Commissioner’s Directions 1999 cover matters relating
to the APS Values, Diversity in Employment, Merit in Employment, the Code of
Conduct and SES Employment.
The Public Service Classification Rules establish the general service
wide levels of APS employees, regardless of the operation of agency
classifications arranged through Certified Agreements
For more detail on how legislation affects you at work, you can go to the
Australian Public Service Commission website
or you can call on the extensive resources of CPSU by contacting your CPSU
delegate, or the CPSU membership service centre on 1300 137 636
Join CPSU
CPSU exists to make a positive difference to members’ lives. Collective
strength gives us the power to defend your rights at work. To join CPSU, see
your workplace delegate for an application form,
join securely online or call 1300 137 636.
