Parramatta tax office should build special ‘squat toilets’, union claims

A union push to provide special squat toilets to accommodate ATO workers of different cultural backgrounds has been criticised by MP Mark Latham.

A union push to provide special squat toilets to accommodate ATO workers of different cultural backgrounds has been criticised by MP Mark Latham. Picture: Gaye Gerard / NCA Newswire

A union representing public servants wants “squat toilets” installed in the Parramatta offices of the Australian Taxation Office because of the “cultural background” of some staff.

The offices are undergoing a costly $64 million dollar refurbishment, which is now the subject of a parliamentary inquiry.

The unusual request came from the Australian Services Union, who allege some staff have difficulties using standard toilets and had attempted to use them in a “squat position”.

In its submission about the upgrade, the union argues the squat toilets should be put on each floor to “accommodate the different cultural backgrounds of the staff”.

“The ASU is aware that ATO staff in some ATO offices have had difficulty using ‘standard’ toilets and have attempted to use these in the squat position, which has caused difficulties,” the ASU states.

A typical squat toilet in India. Picture: Thinkstock

“The ASU does not want to find out that staff from different cultures are having difficulty using the bathroom facilities.

“The ATO should provide additional ‘squat’ toilets on each floor to accommodate the different cultural backgrounds of the staff.”

A sign instructing users not to squat on standard toilets – such signs have been posted in Sydney universities.

But outspoken One Nation MP Mark Latham has questioned taxpayer dollars being spent on providing the squat toilets, which are popular in Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

“Surely the union has bigger issues to worry about?” Mr Latham said.

“It’s no burden for anyone to sit on a toilet, how ridiculous.

“The Australian standard is that we feel sorry for anyone to not have a toilet to sit on.

One Nation NSW Leader MP Mark Latham questions the need to build extra squat toilets. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“It doesn’t look a comfortable, easy or appropriate way of doing your business.

“The government is supposed to be tightening their belt and bringing down the deficit and to accept this recommendation would not be a good sign at all.”

The ATO is consolidating several offices in Penrith, the Sydney CBD and Parramatta to house workers over six and a half levels at Parramatta Square, but the existing building required an extensive revamp.

The push for the rudimentary loos follows a controversy in 2016, when the Australian Taxation Office installed the so-called “squat toilets“ in its new Melbourne offices.

At the time, union officials said tax workers would “put their feet on either side of the toilet seat and quite often miss”, upsetting other staff.

Since then, several universities in Sydney, including Macquarie University, have introduced posters in bathroom cubicles, instructing international students not to stand on toilet seats.

The Australian Taxation Office said “any feedback provided through staff consultation” would be considered, but that “natural position” toilets had not been identified as a requirement and the existing building contained toilet facilities and toilets were not a part of the fit-out.

The union has been approached for comment.