CDU Free Tax Clinic earns national recognition with visit from Tax Ombudsman

Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Free Tax Clinic has received national recognition with a visit from Australian Tax Ombudsman Ruth Owen CBE.

Since launching in 2019 with support from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the Clinic has become a leading model of community-focused tax support that prioritises safety, dignity and understanding for clients who may have experienced hardship.

More than 2,500 Territorians have received free help, including individuals, small businesses and not-for-profits, with a strong focus on supporting First Nations people, migrants, refugees and low-income earners. 

Services are now delivered in multiple languages - including English, Urdu, Estonian, Russian, Kutchi, Gujurati, Swahili, Lingala, Cantonese, Mandarin, Vietnamese and Arabic - and have extend into regional centres such as Katherine, Ramingining, Mataranka and Alice Springs. 

The Clinic also serves as a training ground for CDU accounting students, who gain supervised, hands-on experience while making a real difference for people who might otherwise go without support.

Delivered in partnership with Darwin-based firm SAMAF Consultants, the program also showcases CDU’s alumni success, with Directors Ali Dhirani and Manfred Mletsin both former students. 

CDU Senior Lecturer in Auditing and Assurance and the Clinic’s Program Director, Raul David, said the Ombudsman’s visit was a powerful endorsement.

“What began as a pilot in the Northern Territory has grown into a model that other universities and community programs look to,” Mr David said.

“We’re proud our Clinic empowers people with the knowledge and confidence that financial literacy brings. Being financially literate can change lives – and in some cases, save lives. At the same time, our students are learning the values of public service, integrity and community connection.”

Australian Tax Ombudsman, Ruth Owen CBE, said CDU’s Free Tax Clinic was making a vital difference.

“The Free Tax Clinic at CDU is an excellent example of how universities can partner with community to deliver services that are both practical and transformative,” Ms Owen said.

“It provides a lifeline for people who may otherwise struggle to access tax help, while also equipping students with the skills and values they will carry into their professional lives.”

CDU Free Tax Clinic volunteer Joan Liwanag-Tran, who recently completed a Master of Professional Accounting at the University, said the visit reinforced the Clinic’s role and impact.

“The Ombudsman’s visit was both informative and constructive, providing us an opportunity to showcase our processes and receive guidance on best practices,” Mrs Liwanag-Tran said.

“This attention is valuable as it reinforces the Clinic’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and high-quality service, while also helping us identify areas for continuous improvement.”

The CDU Free Tax Clinic operates annually from July to October at CDU’s Danala | Education and Community Precinct in the Darwin CBD. 

Bookings can be made online at www.cdu.edu.au/free-tax-clinic.