On Friday 14 November 2025, DSPANZ convened a joint virtual session bringing together members of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Strategic Working Group (SWG) and the New Zealand Digital Advisory Group (DAG) with Inland Revenue (IR).
The meeting enabled trans-Tasman discussion on priorities affecting DSPs and the tax ecosystem. The purpose was to compare current
programs of work in both jurisdictions, identify common challenges and opportunities, and strengthen collaboration between government
and industry.
Welcome
DSPANZ opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country and Māori welcome, and noted the signficance of holding the first
combined session of the two strategic groups. The co-chairs of the SWG and DAG were introduced and provided opening remarks.
Tax Administration 3.0
The ATO and IR each shared updates on their evolving digital strategies and longer-term visions for the future of tax
administration, including the need for ecosystem-wide thinking. Industry members emphasised the value of aligned overarching
frameworks across both countries. Members discussed priorities such as consent-driven data use, clear problem definition,
coordinated sequencing of reforms, and the practical benefits of closer ATO-IR collaboration.
Connecting eInvoicing to the Tax System
The ATO and IR provided adoption and volume updates for eInvoicing in their respective countries and described the role of
government procurement in driving uptake. Participants then contributed to a forward-looking discussion and activity on how
eInvoicing could be integrated more deeply into tax system processes in both jurisdictions.
Regulating Intermediaries
IR shared its developing approach to regulating intermediaries in the tax system, noting its expansion from traditional tax
intermediaries to include digital intermediaries, such as DSPs. IR outlined its intention to consult more broadly in 2026.
Members discussed how new categories of intermediaries might overlap, and where existing niche intermediary services fit.
Security
The ATO and IR provided updates on their Operational Security Frameworks (OSF). The ATO shared the evolution of its OSF and
raised potential changes that will proceed to formal consultation in 2026. IR confirmed that its OSF is expected to go live in
early 2026, with continued work occurring to refine the requirements and supporting information. Discussion centred on future opportunities
for collaboration and harmonising security expectations where possible.
Member Refreshes
DSPANZ noted that both the DAG and SWG were in the process of refreshing their memberships for 2026 and encouraged eligible DSPs
to participate in the respective expression of interest processes. The importance of diverse representation to support effective
co-design with both the ATO and IR was reiterated.
Meeting Close
DSPANZ closed the meeting by thanking all participants from industry, the ATO, and IR for their contributions and continued support of the strategic groups. The ATO and IR provided final reflections, emphasising the value of the session and the intent to continue cross-jurisdictional collaboration on share priorities. Materials from the meeting have been distributed to DAG and SWG members.