FUTURE accountants studying at TAFE NSW put their skills into practice this tax time, helping Lismore community members access free tax assistance and financial literacy support.
The outreach brings the successful TAFE NSW Tax Clinic, based at TAFE NSW Ultimo, directly to the Northern Rivers for the first time, providing free and confidential support to eligible individuals and small businesses.
Community members can access assistance with tax returns, business tax matters, how to get the most from the myGov website, missing documentation, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) enquiries and payment arrangements.
The program is also helping address workforce demand, with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand predicting Australia will face a shortage of around 6,000 accountants by 2030.
The clinic has supported more than 120 clients while helping students build practical industry experience since its inception in 2025.
State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has also announced that over 6,800 students across the Lismore Electorate have enrolled in Fee Free training, highlighting strong demand for local training pathways that lead to local jobs.
The Minns Labor Government’s Fee Free training initiatives are helping address workforce demand in the Northern Rivers by building the skilled workforce local businesses need in priority industries, such as construction, healthcare, aged and disability care, early childhood education, and technology.
By removing upfront costs, Fee Free training is helping more Northern Rivers residents gain qualifications close to home, build rewarding careers and contribute to the region’s long-term economic growth.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“The TAFE NSW Tax Clinic is a great example of practical, hands-on learning.
“I have seen first-hand how these clinics help students build their professional, communication and technical skills by working with clients facing real-world tax challenges.
“Programs like these, together with Fee Free training, are helping more people across the Northern Rivers gain the skills and experience they need to access rewarding careers. More than 6,800 enrolments in Fee Free training is a terrific result for the region.
“The former Liberal-National Government neglected TAFE and allowed skills shortages to grow. By removing financial barriers, this is just one example of how the Minns Labor Government is rebuilding TAFE more people gain the skills the community needs in key industries like construction, health, early childhood education and technology.”
State Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin said:
“Many Lismore residents and small business owners continue to navigate financial pressures, and access to free professional support can make a real difference.
“It’s inspiring to see the next generation of accountants giving back to our community while making a real difference in people’s lives.
“From gaining hands-on industry experience through initiatives like the Tax Clinic to accessing Fee Free training, TAFE NSW is creating pathways that help people build skills at every stage of their career. More than 6,800 Fee Free enrolments across our region show just how important affordable training opportunities are for our local communities.
“The Minns Labor Government’s Fee Free initiative is helping people retrain, upskill and take the next step in their careers, while giving local businesses access to the skilled workers they need.”
Photo caption: Lismore MP Janelle Saffin with, from left, TAFE NSW Head Teacher Marianne Said, TAFE NSW Financial Planning Teacher Zaved Karim and TAFE NSW Project Manager Education Operations Nancy Mikhail.
