Students to gain valuable experience and help those in the Illawarra and South Coast experiencing genuine hardship
A new clinic that will offer free tax assistance to people experiencing hardship was officially launched at the University of Wollongong (UOW) today (March 18).
Representatives from UOW, alongside community partners from the Women's Health Clinic and IRT and tax professional partners from Hardwickes accountants, attended the official launch of the UOW Tax Clinic, which will serve communities in the Illawarra and along the South Coast.
The first of its kind in the region, the UOW Tax Clinic will be staffed by students who are undertaking tax-related courses, all under the supervision of qualified clinic managers, tax professionals, and UOW academics.
Part of the Australian Taxation Office's (ATO) National Tax Clinic Program, the UOW Tax Clinic will provide valuable work experience and learning opportunities to students in the School of Business while at the same time improving access to professional tax-related advice for individuals and small businesses.
The clinic will be open to eligible people in the community facing financial, personal or social hardship. It will operate on both Wollongong Campus and Innovation Campus, two days a week for 20 weeks a year, to coincide with the University's Autumn and Spring semesters.
Associate Professor Stephanie Perkiss, an expert in the field of environmental and social accounting who spearheaded the initiative alongside colleagues from the Faculty of Business and Law, said she was delighted that the clinic would be able to provide professional support for those who might not be able to afford it.
"Accessing a qualified tax professional or accounting services can be difficult and expensive. For those who might not earn much money in the first place, who are struggling with the cost of living or various other personal challenges, or in a vulnerable community, the cost can be prohibitive. This lack of access can lead to people making mistakes unknowingly, which can place them in hot water, not claiming everything to which they are entitled, or failing to comply with tax obligations altogether. The consequences are very real," Associate Professor Perkiss said.
"The UOW Tax Clinic will have a positive impact in the Illawarra and along the South Coast, providing access to valuable tax help while also enabling students to develop their skills and knowledge in a community-focused setting.
"Places are limited to people experiencing genuine hardship, but we will do our best to support those in need. It is wonderful to be able to launch the UOW Tax Clinic and know that it is truly going to make a difference in our communities."
The team behind the UOW Tax Clinic: Dr Abdullah Al Mamun, Mrs Taryn McDonnell, Professor Lee Moerman, Dr Erin Twyford, Associate Professor Stephanie Perkiss, and Mr Scott Snaidero. Photo: Michael Gray
Established following a grant of close to $300,000 from the Federal Government, the UOW Tax Clinic is one of five new clinics opening at university and TAFE campuses around Australia this year.
Senior Professor Sue Bennett, UOW's Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic and Student Life), welcomed the launch of the clinic and said it reflected the importance of community to UOW.
"The UOW Tax Clinic reflects the University at its very best: providing a valuable lifeline to an underserved section of the community while also ensuring our students are given opportunities to learn and grow in real-world situations," Senior Professor Bennett said.
"We're building a vibrant foundation of exceptional accountants and business professionals, and I'm thrilled that UOW will continue to make a lasting impact on our students and communities."
The clinic will run Tuesday afternoons at UOW's Wollongong Campus and Wednesday mornings at Innovation Campus. Clients can also apply for remote support if needed. The clinic will provide assistance on a range of tax matters, including using MyGov, income tax returns, GST, PAYG, ATO disputes, obligations for international labour mobility workers, and more.
