Griffith University has a strong and proud history of striving for social justice, and the Griffith Tax Clinic (GTC) supports these values by providing free tax assistance to unrepresented taxpayers, so they know their rights and obligations under the complex Australian taxation system.
At the GTC our students provide a friendly and supporting taxation service to individuals, small businesses and community organisations from vulnerable sectors. The GTC predominantly services South-East Queensland and is a vital link to improving tax literacy and compliance for those unable to afford or circumstance that restricts their access to professional advice.
Our 3 main groups of focus are our clients, our students and the wider community. The GTC aims to improve the confidence of taxpayers to facilitate their ability to tackle their tax obligations going forward and to know their rights.
Our team in 2023
GTC Directors – Professor Brett Freudenberg and Dr Melissa Belle Isle
GTC Registered Tax Agent – Colin Perryman
GTC Office Manager – Miranda Papps
Student feedback
Students have appreciated their personal and professional growth by working at the GTC.
“This work-integrated learning experience allowed me to put theory into practice, grow and develop both professionally and personally, build my self-confidence, network, enhance my communication, technical and interpersonal skills, and boost my employability. I am most grateful to have been selected for such an invaluable opportunity and feel honoured to have worked alongside kind, knowledgeable and passionate staff and students. You will always be the standard that I hold my future mentors and managers to.”
Client stories
Susie* approached the GTC with 20 outstanding tax returns. Her previous dealings with the Australian and New Zealand Tax Offices had been traumatic and confusing, causing her a sense of panic. Susie had been homeless for over 4 years, staying with family, in campgrounds or even in her car. Her car broke down, and she was unable to afford the repairs. Susie was able to receive support under the NDIS system, for her diagnosed Autism and CPTSD allowing her access to support workers and psychologists.
Susie was accompanied to her first appointment with a support worker, however she said she felt comfortable to attend future appointments alone as she felt safe and supported by the GTC team. With all her outstanding returns lodged, with the refund Susie received she planned to get her car fixed and secure stable accommodation.
*Client name changed for privacy.
Awards
- 'Empowerment Award’ from the Wesley Mission Queensland's Logan Youth Foyer for 'assisting young people to build their capacity and independence’.
- Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Programs for the Griffith Tax Clinic (team) (Griffith University).
- Griffith Business School Award for a program that 'enhances students' employability', recognising the rich learning environment the clinic provides students.
- Recognised in Griffith's Sustainability Credentials as per United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Clients
In 2023, the GTC:
- received 598 client applications
- assisted 273 clients (including 14 small businesses)
- lodged 80 current year tax returns
- lodged 196 prior year tax returns
- lodged 26 business activity statements (BAS)
- assisted 13 clients with their debt.
Student tax advisers
In 2023:
- the GTC engaged 30 student tax advisors
- our tax advisors collectively worked 2520 hours
- we operated for 60 days over 36 weeks of the year
- four of our students volunteered at the Australasian Tax Teachers Association Conference
- our student, Claire, recorded a podcastExternal Link with the Tax Institute.
Community workshops
In 2023 the GTC conducted 26 community tax workshops to a total of 643 attendees, including:
- year 10–12 high school students
- small businesses
- recent immigrants
- trade college students
- Ausdance Australia with Qld Small Business Commissioner Office
- Metro Health social workers.
Industry visit
In 2023, 20 tax students were taken on a 1.5 day adventure exploring 8 tax firms throughout Brisbane CBD on our ‘Tax Industry Tour’.
Students heard about the exciting careers available for tax professionals, were provided insight and guidance into applying for graduate roles and made important connections with tax experts.
Our graduates
Our 2023 GTC graduates have secured jobs with:
- KPMG
- Ernst and Young
- ATO
- Deloitte
- BDO
- Grant Thornton
- Suncorp.