The University of Notre Dame Australia’s new Tax Clinic is visiting the Kimberley for the first time to provide much-needed tax assistance to vulnerable community members and businesses.
Launched under the Australian Government’s National Tax Clinic program, the clinic is designed to improve access to professional tax advice for individuals and small businesses experiencing financial hardship.
Notre Dame’s Tax Clinic specifically addresses the distinct needs of communities in the northwest of Western Australia, providing education, advocacy and customised tax support for underrepresented groups.
The Tax Clinic will visit Broome and Derby later this month to provide free professional support to people on low incomes, those experiencing vulnerability or hardship and small business owners who cannot access paid help.
The clinic operates as a teaching initiative, giving taxation students from Notre Dame’s School of Law and Business the opportunity to deliver services under the supervision of qualified tax professionals.
National Head of the School of Law and Business, Professor David Carter, said this model not only delivered meaningful support to vulnerable community members, it also gave students valuable, real-world experience working directly with clients.
“Tax obligations can be overwhelming for anyone, but they can be especially difficult for people experiencing hardship or those who can not afford professional help,” Professor Carter said.
“Our goal is to make tax support more accessible for those who need it most – whether it’s a small business owner or low-income worker who is struggling to lodge a tax return.
“This gives our students a better understanding of the social responsibility that comes with working as a taxation professional, alongside that hands-on experience.”
The Tax Clinic will be set up at the Derby Recreation Centre Community Room on 24 and 25 September, and the Broome Campus Library on 22, 23 and 26 September. Help will also be available by appointment on an ongoing basis.
Anyone who needs tax help can submit an application online.
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