The Australian Taxation Office has been criticised recently for its IT bungle, with a computer mishap causing thousands of tax returns to be given out late. But a new problem has emerged – ATO computers have fonts that are too small.
A Comcare investigation has found the technology upgrade currently being rolled out in the ATO has neglected to provide a font size that is appropriate for workers.
”ATO failed to ensure that font size of the computer application Siebel met or exceeded the minimum recommended height requirements specified in Australian/New Zealand standard,” Comcare said in a report to the Community and Public Sector Union.
”Whilst usage of the mouse, for both scrolling and clicking within the Siebel computer program was identified as being high, the ATO have effective reasonably practicable control measures in place,” Comcare found.
It is understood the ATO is working to rectify the problem and ensure tax returns are sent out to as many people as possible.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
