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Tax it is central to all business decisions and operates within the broader legal systems of Australia. A solid understanding of how laws are made, the law of contracts and the law of torts (negligence) is essential. This subject will help you understand the commercial context in which tax matters arise.
If you work in tax, you’re certain to engage with Australia’s commercial law environment. Laws help to give clients the certainty and stability they need to operate, trade and invest.
CommLaw1 Australian Legal Systems introduces, explains and explores the way laws are made, how to find the law in a given area, and how the law will be interpreted and applied.
It addresses common questions such as how a binding agreement is made, the law of contracts as it relates to advisory services, and how to advise clients on the legal impacts of their activities.
Scroll to bottom of page for more information on:
- Entry requirements and learning outcomes
- Subjects and study modes
- Recognition
- Your tax professional instructors
- Timetable
- Fees
Credit points: 6
CPD: 30 hours
Cost: $1,690
Study Per Week: 10 hours
Delivery: blended learning
Study Length: 12 weeks
Level: Introductory
Study Periods: 3 per year
Elective subject in the Graduate Diploma of Applied Tax Law
Complete the TPB approved Course in Commercial Law
Gain skills that are directly applicable to the workplace
Get Your Information Pack
Complete the form with your details to receive an email with expanded program overviews and exclusive sample learning materials.
"[The Tax Institute] balances technical material and practical application, bridging academia with the practice of tax law."
Rachel Vijayaraj, ATI, Brown Wright Stein Lawyers
"The weekly webinars and online study format made it possible to combine the course work and full time work."
Wendy Miller, FTI, Damien Greer
“Studying with The Tax Institute gave me the confidence to understand and tackle detailed tax issues.”
Matthew Coombes, CTA, Borough Australia Pty Ltd
“What I learnt I’m applying every day in my work with clients. The notes I received are my tax bible.”
Lauren Whelan, HLB Mann Judd
“The topic areas provided me with technical and practical knowledge to apply to real-life situations.”
Geoff Tierney, CTA, ESV Chartered Accountants
“The fact that active and highly experienced practitioners are teaching the course content has been invaluable to me.”
Erin Shields, Dixon Advisory
Entry requirements and learning outcomes
ATL002 CommLaw1 Australian Legal Systems is designed to help you develop your understanding of the Australian legal system, not only about how laws are enacted and their underlying policy aims, but how they apply in the ever changing statutory, commercial law and equitable principles in our very complex tax system.
Who is this for?
- associate lawyer
- certified financial planner
- corporate tax accountant
- lecturer or tutor
- registered tax agents who wish to meet licence requirements
- tax and financial advisers
- tax manager.
Entry requirements
- 1. hold current membership of The Tax Institute1
- 2. meet English language requirements if the language of instruction for your 6 years of high school qualifications was not English.
1. [A discounted membership is available at the time of enrolment for all new members. Membership fees attract GST. Membership will expire on 30 June. Find out more about membership benefits and resources]
Learning outcomes
On completion of ATL002 CommLaw1 Australian Legal Systems you will be able to, but not limited to, relate the client’s commercial transaction to the relevant Australian legal systems and processes while establishing the knowledge on law of contracts and torts.
Modules, study modes and assessment
Modules
- Australian legal systems and processes
- law of torts
- contracts in Australian commercial law
- remedies in contract.
Modes of study
Blended learning
A flexible learning approach using an online learning platform supported by live Q&A sessions with a subject matter expert.
Assessment-only study
Assessment-only study allows candidates to accelerate their studies by progressing directly to the assessments for the subject based on prior study, qualifications and experience.
Candidates will only receive access to past exam papers and online checkpoint tests prior to the exam.
Enrolment inclusions
Resources made available to a candidate (excluding assessment-only study) are:
- access to an online learning portal
- study materials (soft copy)
- access to Legal Research and Reasoning Course
- access to CCH recommended readings
- recorded webinars
- online checkpoint tests
- past exam papers (where applicable)
- access to a subject convenor for technical questions
- assessment preparation resources
- research skills webinar
- support from trained subject coordinators.
Assessment structure
| Assessment task | Pass mark | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Online module quizzes | 50% | 40% |
| Exam | 50% | 60% |
Please note that all assessment tasks must be passed in order to complete the subject.
Recognition of prior learning and advanced standing
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
RPL is a process for providing candidates credit for learning or qualifications completed before your enrolment with The Tax Institute.
To apply for RPL (fee $165), please complete the RPL form. Evidence of your qualifications will need to be provided with this application.
Advanced standing
Advanced standing is a process of transferring credits from subjects you have previously completed with The Tax Institute. To apply for advanced standing (no fee applies), please complete the advanced standing form.
Your tax professional instructor
Harry Rigney, Subject convenor
Harry has specialised since 1981 in taxation research, advising and the implementation of taxation solutions. He holds a Diploma in Education from the University of Adelaide, First Honours Law degree from University of Tasmania and degree of Master of Laws from Harvard Law School. Harry has been a registered tax agent since 1982 and a member of The Tax Institute for more than 30 years.
Harry is a lawyer, admitted as solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland and barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the ACT. He is regarded as a specialist in the law of commerce, tax and investment.
His experience has been developed through senior positions in professional firms, with responsibilities in achieving national quality assurance standards for firm-wide taxation consulting and compliance.
His background includes several years as national tax director for PKF, senior tax manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers and, at the commencement of the capital gains tax and fringe benefits tax regime, a spell as special taxation consultant to a predecessor firm to KPMG.
Harry has formally taught taxation and related law at University of Adelaide, Queensland University of Technology, Central Queensland University, University of New England and University of Queensland, with course preparation for ATAX at University of New South Wales.
Harry is often recognised in international awards for his achievements in Australian law.
Fees
1. [To enrol in an education subject it is a requirement to become a member of The Tax Institute. Studying with The Tax Institute is available to members. Non-members will be required to join at time of enrolment. Membership fee covers the period through June the following year and is valued at $489. If required to be a voting member, you can upgrade for free (valued at $195). Member fees attract GST and price quoted is inclusive of GST.]
2. [Subject fees do not attract GST. CTA3 attracts GST. CTA3 fees are inclusive of GST. Subject fee is in relation to face-to-face, blended learning and intensive study modes.]
3. [Applies per subject if enrolling before the early bird close date (except for assessment only study mode and CTA1 Foundations Intensive SP1 and SP2). Please note: Key dates and fees are subject to change without notice.]
The Tax Institute is Australia's leading professional association and educator in tax providing the best resources, professional development and networks.