THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is considering closing the Hurstville office it has operated for two decades, which would mean the loss of more than 500 jobs to St George.
Union officials said Hurstville’s biggest employer may not renew its lease on the Woniora Road premises, due early next year, and staff could be moved to other parts of Sydney or further afield.
An ATO spokesman said discussions were being held with staff, the Community and Public Sector Union and the Australian Services Union.
‘‘The ATO has not made any decision to close any of our offices, including Hurstville,’’ he said.
Asked about the future of employees if the move did eventuate, he said: ‘‘The ATO is committed to, and is, meeting all of its obligations under our enterprise agreement.’’
More than a dozen staff members, waving placards and flags, protested outside their office yesterday.
The Community and Public Sector Union, which represents most of the staff, said the move would cause hardship for many families, local businesses would also suffer and tax compliance in the area would decline.
Union lead organiser Emma Groube said the Hurstville office was convenient, strategically located and had a highly engaged and motivated staff, who were specialists in dealing with tax avoidance in the ‘‘cash economy’’.
Many staff had caring responsibilities for children, parents or other relatives which would be affected negatively if they had to travel longer distances to work.
Ms Groube said local businesses, which relied on a high volume of foot traffic, would be affected badly.
The Hurstville location also showed the Tax Office was "part of the local community" and its closure would "send the wrong signal" to tax evaders in the area.
REACTION
Community leaders were dismayed.
Hurstville mayor Jack Jacovou said while the ATO office was within Kogarah Council boundaries, its closure would have ‘‘serious repercussions’’ for Hurstville, and particularly for the business community.
Newly-elected Banks MP David Coleman said he was ‘‘strongly opposed’’ to the possible closure.
‘‘The ATO is an important employer in Hurstville and we need to maintain jobs in the local community,’’ he said.
‘‘I am working closely with my federal colleagues and fighting to keep the ATO open.’’
Oatley MP Mark Coure said the proposed move was ‘‘outrageous’’.
While it was a federal matter, he had spoken to Mr Coleman and had written to federal Treasurer Joe Hockey.
Would the closure of the ATO at Hurstville affect you or your business?
