14 July 2026: Helping vulnerable Australians navigate the tax system while preparing the next generation of professionals was the focus of the National Tax Clinics Conference, hosted by the University of Canberra on 11–12 June.
The University of Canberra recently hosted representatives from tax clinics, universities, TAFEs and government agencies from across the country for the National Tax Clinics Conference as they came together to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and explore ways to better support vulnerable taxpayers and small businesses. The Conference was held in anticipation of the start of the 2026 Tax Season where all Tax Clinics experience a significant uptick in demand for services.
Opening the conference, University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten reflected on the dual purpose of tax clinics: to provide free support to people experiencing financial hardship, while giving students valuable real-world experience.
"Tax clinics have two purposes," Professor Shorten said. "They assist vulnerable taxpayers and small businesses in hardship with their tax obligations, and they provide a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experience for students."
The National Tax Clinic program, supported by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), operates through 20 clinics based at Universities and TAFEs across Australia. The clinics provide free, confidential and independent assistance to individuals and small businesses, who may struggle to access professional tax advice.
University of Canberra Tax Clinic Manager Carole Grey said hosting the conference provided a valuable opportunity for tax clinics from across Australia to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas and learn from one another.
"The Tax Clinics operate around Australia using different models, but all are focussed on assisting vulnerable taxpayers while giving our students a taste of working in the tax profession and building job ready skills valued by employers."
Professor Shorten said participating students develop highly sought after skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the human impact of the tax system.
"They learn to translate complex tax rules into accessible advice, develop communication and problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to the lived realities of taxpayers," he said. "And they exercise the much-priceless attribute of empathy."
Drawing on his own experience undertaking a legal clinic placement as a student, Professor Shorten described practical placements as opportunities that cannot be replicated in a classroom.
"Experience like that is gold for the student and for an employer," he said. "But that experience cannot be taught or bought. It must be absorbed."
The conference highlighted the growing demand for tax clinic services, particularly among small businesses facing complex financial challenges.
Across Australia in 2025, National Tax Clinics assisted more than 6,700 vulnerable individuals and small businesses, completed almost 11,000 lodgements, supported more than 530 taxpayers managing tax debts, and helped 560 students gain practical, career-ready experience
Professor Shorten said the program demonstrates the important role universities and TAFEs can play in supporting their communities.
"Tax Clinics can be held up as a prime example of societal contributions by universities and TAFEs," he said. "They promote social justice in their local communities and are an exemplar of a service to the public."
Hosted by the University of Canberra, the conference brought together clinic managers, academics, students and Australian Taxation Office representatives to explore emerging challenges, share best practice and strengthen collaboration across the national network.
Professor Shorten said the impact of the program extends far beyond statistics.
"Those stats are not just numbers," he said. "They represent a person or a business who has been helped to manage their debt, saved the worry of an overdue return, or had their faith in the taxation system restored."
The University of Canberra Tax Clinic provides free and confidential tax assistance to eligible individuals and small businesses, while giving students valuable practical experience under the supervision of qualified professionals.
To learn more, visit the University of Canberra Tax Clinic.
To learn more about the other Tax Clinics operating in Australia visit: https://www.nationaltaxclinics.gov.au/
