Australian Taxation Office introduces squat toilets to cater to ‘diverse’ workforce

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Australian Taxation Office’s new building in Melbourne features squat toilets.

By 

İsmail Kayhan

 

9 AUG 2016 - 5:59 PM  UPDATED 22 AUG 2016 - 11:37 AM

Australian Taxation Office’s new building in Box Hill, Melbourne features squat toilets, Herald Sun reports.

Squat toilets are commonly found in parts of Indian subcontinent, Asia and Europe. Many offices in Australia carry visual signs on the use of western toilets for employees who may not be familiar with the western style toilets.

According to ATO’s acting chief finance officer Justin Untersteiner more than 20% of ATO employees come from a non-English speaking background.

“We are committed to maintaining an inclusive workplace that engages, informs and supports all our employees, whatever their background,” he told Herald Sun.

“This commitment includes building designs with a range of facilities that cater for the different needs of our employees.”

Keeping this in mind, Mr Untersteiner said the ATO was embracing diversity by providing a safe, inclusive and accessible workplace.

Australian Multicultural Foundation's Executive Director Hass Dellal, who is also an OAM recipient and SBS chairman, welcomed the move and said, “the squat style of toileting was becoming more popular because of its health benefits.”

He expected more bathrooms in the future to accommodate both styles, which would be a “positive thing”.