NOTICE OF THE STP DATA MATCHING PROGRAMME
This notice relates to the publication of an updated version of a program protocol for data matching between Australian Taxation Office and Services Australia (Centrelink and Child Support) Single Touch Payroll (STP).
This data matching program involves the exchange of STP data from the ATO for individuals who have a relationship with the Agency (persons of interests). The STP data will be matched against Services Australia records.
This will assist Services Australia to modernise the way it works to deliver a simple, helpful, respectful and transparent experience for customers by enabling:
- enabling pre-filling of employer details, including income amounts, as reported through STP, into the Agency online services for review by customers
- supporting employers to fulfil their Child Support reporting obligations by voluntarily reporting through STP. Rather than having to go through a separate remittance process
- supporting the timely confirmation of employment and where appropriate, the establishment of child support employer withholdings
- identifying significant differences between STP income and the income estimate the customer has provided to the Agency. This will facilitate messaging to the customer to suggest they review their income estimate
- identifying Family tax benefit customers, based on STP data
- needing to lodge a tax return and complete an ATO ‘Non-lodgement advice’. The Agency may give advice on where they can seek more information on how to lodge
- supporting existing debt recovery processes
- enabling analysis of the data with a view to improving the Agency’s processes.
A protocol document describing this program has been developed in consultation with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC). Copies of the document are available from:
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/about-us/publications-and-resources/centrelink-data-matching-activities
Services Australia complies, as a best practice approach, with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s (OAIC) Guidelines on data matching in Australian government administration (2014) which includes standards for data matching to protect the privacy of individuals. For more information on the OAIC’s guidelines see http://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/applying-privacy-law/advisory-privacy-guidelines/data-matching-guidelines-2014.
A full copy of Services Australia’s privacy policy can be accessed at
http://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/organisations/about-us/publications-and-resources/privacy-policy.
Overview
The STP Data Matching Program, introduced in 2021, is a legislative initiative designed to enhance the data-sharing mechanisms between the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Services Australia, which includes Centrelink and Child Support. This program was enacted by the Australian Government to address the need for a more streamlined and efficient method of matching Single Touch Payroll (STP) data, which is critical for both tax compliance and social security services. The policy objective of this program is to modernise the data processing practices of Services Australia, thereby facilitating a more customer-centric, transparent, and efficient service delivery system. This includes pre-filling employer details and income amounts into online services for customer review, assisting employers in fulfilling their Child Support reporting obligations, and identifying discrepancies in income estimates provided by customers. The program is overseen in compliance with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s (OAIC) Guidelines on data matching, ensuring that privacy protections are upheld during the data exchange process.
Scope and Application
The updated program protocol for data matching between the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Services Australia (Centrelink and Child Support) under the Single Touch Payroll (STP) is designed to facilitate the exchange of STP data for individuals who have a relationship with Services Australia. This program aims to modernise the delivery of services by enabling pre-filling of employer details reported through STP into Services Australia’s online services, thereby assisting customers in reviewing their income details. Furthermore, it supports employers in fulfilling their Child Support reporting obligations through STP, rather than requiring a separate remittance process, and assists in the timely confirmation of employment and establishment of child support employer withholdings where appropriate. The data matching program also identifies significant differences between STP income and income estimates provided by customers, supports existing debt recovery processes, and enables analysis of the data to improve Services Australia’s processes. This initiative applies to entities such as employers and individuals who report through the STP system and have a relationship with Services Australia. It operates within the jurisdiction of Commonwealth entities, specifically involving the ATO and Services Australia. While the notice does not explicitly mention exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds, it does highlight compliance with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s (OAIC) Guidelines on data matching, which are intended to protect the privacy of individuals. The application of this program can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments as necessary.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of this notice (C2021G00132) pertain to the STP Data Matching Program, which is a protocol for data matching between the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Services Australia (Centrelink and Child Support) (paragraphs 1-4). This program facilitates the exchange of Single Touch Payroll (STP) data from the ATO to Services Australia for individuals who have a relationship with the agency (persons of interest) (paragraph 2). This matching of data will assist Services Australia to modernise its processes by enabling pre-filling of employer details, including income amounts, into the agency's online services for customer review (paragraph 3). It will also support employers in fulfilling their child support reporting obligations by voluntarily reporting through STP, thus simplifying the remittance process (paragraph 3). Moreover, this program will aid in confirming employment details and establishing child support employer withholdings, identifying significant differences between STP income and customer-reported income estimates, and facilitating communication with customers to review their income estimates (paragraph 3). Additionally, it will assist in identifying Family Tax Benefit customers who need to lodge a tax return and provide guidance on where they can seek more information on how to lodge (paragraph 3). It will also support existing debt recovery processes and enable analysis of the data for process improvement (paragraph 3).
Under this program, the obligations and requirements imposed on the parties involved primarily focus on compliance with privacy standards and data protection measures (paragraphs 5-7). Services Australia, as a best practice approach, complies with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s (OAIC) Guidelines on data matching in Australian government administration (2014) (paragraph 6). These guidelines include standards for data matching to protect the privacy of individuals (paragraph 6). Services Australia's privacy policy and the OAIC’s guidelines are accessible to the public, ensuring transparency and adherence to privacy laws (paragraphs 6-7).
Regarding offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breach, the notice does not explicitly state any penalties within the provided text (paragraph 8). However, general compliance with privacy laws and guidelines implies that any breach could lead to civil or criminal penalties as stipulated by relevant Australian legislation. It is important for entities involved to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines to avoid any potential legal ramifications.