Australians will have greater access to free and simple tax advice thanks to the Albanese Labor Government, with the expansion of the National Tax Clinic program.
Five new clinics will join the 15 currently offering vital assistance to individuals and small businesses across the country, delivering on the Government's 2023 Budget commitment to increase funding for the program to $2 million per year. The five new clinics could serve an additional one thousand taxpayers per year.
The Australian Tax Office has concluded the open competitive grant process and has confirmed the five successful applicants:
- TAFE NSW
- Chisholm TAFE, Victoria
- University of Wollongong, New South Wales
- University of Notre Dame, West Australia
- University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Tax clinics play a crucial role in the community, making tax advice more accessible while empowering students enrolled in tax‑related courses to offer advice and assistance under the guidance of qualified tax professionals.
The existing on‑campus clinics, 14 of which are funded by the Government, have provided fee‑free advice to over 18,000 taxpayers since the scheme's inception. That includes 2,300 small businesses.
The new tax clinics will complement the Albanese Labor Government's new legislation, introduced earlier this month, which will help reduce paperwork and streamline tax processes for small businesses.
Comments attributable to Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones MP:
"Having access to free and simple tax advice can make a big difference for a small business or individual who would otherwise be priced out of this service.
"This program is already a huge success and expanding it to reach more people is a no brainer.
"The additional five tax clinics will allow more Australians to get the tax advice they need, as soon as they need it, while providing a training opportunity for students.
"These clinics are one of many measures the Albanese Government is implementing to help consumers make better‑informed decisions and keep more of what they earn."
Comments attributable to Minister for Small Business, Julie Collins MP:
"No Australian should be left behind because they are unable to access sound tax advice.
Small businesses are the heart of our economy, and the expansion of our tax clinics program will give them more opportunities to access free and simple tax advice.
This additional funding is one part of the Government's package to support our small business and help them thrive.
Labor is the party for small business, and they will always be at the heart of our Government's decision making."
