Celebrating the NT’s only 2025 Australian Awards for University Teaching recipient

A Charles Darwin University (CDU) lecturer who has had a hand in delivering more than 3000 free tax consultations and integrating client-accountant-auditor simulations for students has joined the ranks of the nation’s top tertiary educators.

In February, CDU Associate Professor in Accounting Raul David received a 2025 Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning, a prestigious accolade designed to recognise an academic’s sustained impact on student experience and education.

Associate Professor David was the only Northern Territory-based academic to be awarded the citation this year, among 60 recipients.

Having redesigned the University’s ACT504 Auditing unit to incorporate experiential learning strategies including role-play simulations, debates and authentic case studies, Associate Professor David is passionate about helping students connect theory with real-world applications in an inclusive manner.

He said the results have been strong and sustained, with teaching evaluation scores increasing from 75 per cent in 2020 to 95 per cent in 2024, while attendance in large, non-compulsory classes remained above 70 per cent.

“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it reflects the achievements of our accounting students and the strength of learning that connects classroom knowledge with real community impact,” he said.  

“At CDU, we want students to graduate not only with technical capability, but also with the confidence, cultural competence and sense of purpose to make a difference in the profession and in society."

Associate Professor David’s work has also extended beyond the classroom through trauma-informed, multilingual and community-embedded service delivery with the CDU Free Tax Clinic, supporting culturally diverse, vulnerable and underserved communities while providing students with meaningful professional experience.

Associate Professor David was nominated for the citation by fellow CDU academic, Dean of Law and Acting Dean of Business & Accounting Professor Alan Berman.

“Associate Professor Raul David’s national AAUT Citation is richly deserved,” he said.  

“His teaching exemplifies CDU’s commitment to excellence, equity and community engagement.  

“Through innovative auditing simulations and the CDU Free Tax Clinic, he has created learning experiences that transform student confidence, employability and social impact.”