The Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, the Hon Kelly O'Dwyer MP, today officially opened the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) new site in Gosford with Federal Member for Robertson, Lucy Wicks MP, and Tax Commissioner, Chris Jordan, boosting local jobs and bringing real economic and social benefits to Gosford.
Minister O'Dwyer said that this was an exciting time for the ATO, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) who has also taken up residence on the lower ground floor of the building within the last week, and for the Central Coast region.
"I'm delighted that the ATO office in Gosford has officially opened and that the Government's promise to bring jobs to the Central Coast region has come to fruition," Minister O'Dwyer said.
"The ATO has already welcomed over 300 staff to the new office. The majority of these staff are new to the ATO and are locals from the Central Coast region. We expect this figure to reach a total of 600 over the next year – this really is an exciting time for the local region."
Mrs Wicks said having the ATO and NDIA in Gosford will bring real economic and social benefits to the local community.
"In total, the Turnbull Government is delivering around 600 new jobs to the Central Coast region – more than double our original commitment," she said.
"Since construction was completed late last year, the influx of ATO and NDIA staff in the building has seen a huge boost in the region, driving even more activity to existing local cafés, restaurants and other small businesses."
"Importantly, the office has also established a vital link with tertiary campuses in the area, providing career opportunities for our young people."
Minister O'Dwyer says that the Government remains committed to supporting regional development and the local Gosford community.
"This is an exciting milestone in the ATO's history and demonstrates the Turnbull Government's long term commitment to investing in employment and service delivery in the Central Coast region."
"A variety of functions are already being performed at the Gosford office including customer service and advice, dispute resolution and various corporate functions. The ATO's diverse workforce of ongoing, non-ongoing, full-time, part-time and casual roles means that we expect there will be ongoing opportunities for locals across a variety of skill sets."
"I know that this office will serve the area well for many years to come and provide ongoing exciting local job opportunities here in this beautiful part of NSW," Minister O'Dwyer concluded.