By Molly Magennis
Victoria University (VU) has opened a Tax Clinic at its Footscray campus, giving its business students the chance to gain real-world industry skills while also helping the wider community.
The VU Tax Clinic opened at 10am on Friday, April 22 at the Footscray Nicholson campus, with services provided by TAFE and Higher Education students.
Students working at the free clinic will be supervised by tax practitioners to deliver a number of services including completing Tax File Number Declaration forms, applying for a TFN and offering information on tax lodgement, debt, review and appeal rights.
Participating students come from VU’s Business School, studying a range of courses from a Master of Professional Accounting to a Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping.
VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said this program exemplifies how the university is ‘Doing Dual Differently’.
“We are constantly working on innovative ways to deliver higher education and vocational learning to our students,” he said.
“Students will have the unique opportunity to immerse [themselves] in their industry and directly benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities.
“VU is proud to serve the communities of Melbourne’s west, and offer free or affordable services.”
Fiona Lobo is currently studying a Diploma in Payroll Services and Diploma in Accounting at the university.
She said being involved in the Tax Clinic will not only benefit students such as herself, but also help those in the community who normally wouldn’t be able to access financial and tax related services.
“The clinic will also help me develop the soft skills that are required to work in the finance and accounting sectors,” she said.
“The VU tax clinic has the ability to support the entire community as well as those from lower socio-economic backgrounds with completing their taxes without the high cost usually involved.”
While walk-ins are allowed, appointments are preferred. Those who would like to make an appointment should email vutaxclinic@vu.edu.au.
Details: www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/facilities-services/our-services/vu-tax-clinic.
