The beginnings

In 1991, under the directorship of Professor Yuri Grbich, Atax began delivering purpose developed taxation courses by distance mode across Australia.

The momentum for Atax was initiated by the Australian Taxation Office.The ATO responded to the needs of the tax profession by entering into an extensive Australia-wide process to select the tertiary institution best able to develop and deliver a broad based and balanced taxation education program to serve all tax professionals, The University of New South Wales won the competitive tender, and Atax was born.

An innovator

From the outset, Atax was an innovative in the means by which it delivered education to meet the needs of decentralized students in the workforce. The distance delivery mode broke new ground by synthesizing distance education and campus based study.

Atax distance delivery was supported by a network of Learning Centres around the country, regional workshops across all States and audio link-ups. Study materials were developed to provide every student, even those in remote locations, with 'extensive stand alone materials'.

The concept of the 'national classroom' was established.

Introducing the audio conference bridge

In 1994, as the number of Learning Centres increased from six to twenty-five, the need grew for a new technology to link all Learning Centres in audio conferences. Atax met the challenge and worked with a telecommunications company to introduce the audio conference bridge - a first for distance education worldwide.

Atax joins the Faculty of Law

In 1997 Atax became part of the prestigious Faculty of Law and a new Director, Professor Robert Deutsch was appointed.

Professor Chris Evans was appointed Director in 2001 and continued the innovation that marked the early years at Atax.

Blending and integrating new technologies

WebCT technology was integrated into Atax delivery modes in 2001 providing students with immediate access to learning materials and supporting readings, timely communication from lecturers, forums for discussion and online networking opportunities with fellow students. These students today come from around the world in what has become a 'global classroom'.

As UNSW and Atax move towards online access being a compulsory requirement of enrolment, Atax will further integrate internet technology to deliver richer and more rewarding e-learning opportunities for students.

Face to face

In 2002 Atax increased the choice of delivery options for students by introducing postgraduate classes to the heart of Sydney's financial district, at the AGSM, 1 O'Connell Street. Small group classes ensure that learning is interactive and stimulating.

Atax today

In 2006, Atax became The Australian School of Taxation and moved to its present location in the Law Faculty building on the Kensington Campus. Professor Neil Warren was appointed the first Head of School in July 2006. Associate Professor Margaret McKerchar was appointed Head of School on 1 July 2009. Atax continues to provide flexible delivery to students by using the most innovative and effective means possible.