# ATO Extends Probe Operations Call Centre Contract

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) approved a **$223.3 million** contract extension with Probe Operations Pty Ltd on April 16, 2026, to continue providing call centre services based in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. This extension occurs amid ongoing Fair Work Commission proceedings concerning pay equity under the "same job, same pay" laws, reflecting the government's continued reliance on outsourced labor hire models despite stated efforts to reduce outsourcing and bring core work in-house.

- Procurement professionals should note the ATO's decision to maintain outsourced call centre services despite labor relations challenges, indicating potential stability in this service area for contractors.
- The ongoing Fair Work Commission case highlights labor compliance risks and pay equity considerations that vendors and agencies must manage in outsourced service contracts.
- Organizations bidding for government call centre or labor hire contracts in Australia should evaluate the implications of pay equity laws and union engagement, as these factors may influence contract terms and negotiations.
- This contract extension signals that large-scale outsourced service contracts remain viable in the Australian federal government market, even amid policy discussions about insourcing core functions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Government Entities
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
- Fair Work Commission (FWC)
- Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU)
- Australian Public Service Commission (APSC)

### Vendors
- Probe Operations Pty Ltd (prime contractor)
- Probe Group (parent company of Probe Operations)

### Sources
- [ATO hands firm $223m contract despite Same Job, Same Pay claim | The National Tribune](https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/ato-hands-firm-223m-contract-despite-same-job-same-pay-claim) - The National Tribune