2025 Network Awards – Teaching and Learning
What the judges said
Originating as a successful national initiative, the tax clinic model has now evolved through the Industry and Community Hub, which broadens its scope to include multiple disciplines. The hub is dedicated to enhancing community access to essential services while providing an alternative pathway for work-integrated learning (WIL) for students facing barriers to traditional placements. The hub develops professional skills such as ethical judgement, communication and resilience with students acting as employees supervised by registered practitioners.
The initiative
The Curtin Tax Clinic (CTC) was established in 2018 as a bold response to two pressing challenges: the lack of affordable access to professional tax advice for vulnerable Australians, and the need for business students to gain authentic, practice-based experience. As the first university-based tax clinic in Australia, it embedded students as “employees” in a fully functioning professional practice environment, supervised by registered practitioners. Students engage directly with clients, manage case files, and complete reflective assessments, ensuring that theory is translated into lived practice. This approach motivates students by linking learning to social impact, while simultaneously developing career-ready skills such as ethical judgement, communication, and resilience.
The CTC quickly demonstrated its value and has since become the national model, inspiring the Australian Government’s National Tax Clinic Program now operating across more than 20 universities. The success of this pioneering initiative laid the foundation for Curtin’s Industry and Community Hub (Hub), launched to extend the framework across other business disciplines. The Hub has since established Accounting, Marketing, and Commerce Clinics, with additional Clinics to commence in 2026. Each clinic mirrors the CTC model: students solve real client problems, industry partners contribute expertise, and communities gain access to vital services otherwise out of reach.
Importantly, the on-campus business clinic model provides inclusive access to Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). International, equity, and disadvantaged students, often unable to secure traditional internships, can gain the same high-quality experiences as their peers. At its core, the initiative delivers a powerful three-way impact: transformative learning for students, stronger industry engagement, and life-changing services for communities.
Measurable outcomes
Since 2018, the CTC and Hub have delivered sustained outcomes for students, communities, industry, and higher education. Over 7,000 clients — including vulnerable individuals, not-for-profits, and small businesses — have received free, high-quality advice and support. Beyond compliance, clients report reduced stress, improved wellbeing, and restored dignity. Outreach programs have extended this impact through targeted support for remote Indigenous communities and financial literacy programs in prisons that prepare individuals for reintegration.
“I acknowledge the significance of your team’s visit… history in the making having a tax clinic come into Parnngurr to assist the local Martu people… The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people expressing genuine relief and happiness… The work your team has done will have a lasting impact… in building confidence among community members to reach out for help.” – Parnngurr Manager
For students, outcomes are equally profound. Over 300 students have participated, with 85% employed in relevant roles within six months. Students describe the experience as transformative, citing increased confidence, ethical judgement, and resilience. Employers report clinic alumni stand out for workplace readiness and social responsibility. The on-campus model proves particularly impactful for equity and international students.
“This experience gave me the opportunity to provide tax support to individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds… strengthen my technical knowledge, apply classroom learning in real scenarios, and give back to the community.” – Student
The initiative has been recognised nationally through multiple awards, including the 2024 Universities Australia Shaping Australia Award, the ATTA Hill Medal, and the WA Attorney General’s Community Service Law Award.