Taxation ruling raises cost of studying
By Will Williams
CANBERRA — The Australian Taxation Office is circulating a draft ruling that would cut students' already meagre incomes. The February 13 closing date for submissions on the draft, titled "Income Tax: deductibility of self-education expenses", will preclude much critical comment since most students are not yet on campus.
The ruling proposes that self-education expenses no longer be tax deductible for students on Austudy or Abstudy, or the Assistance for Isolated Children and the Veterans' Children Education schemes.
Tax deductibility would also be denied to students enrolled in courses not directly related to the education needed for their current job.
Nick Soudakoff, education vice-president for the University of Canberra Students' Association, and a Democratic Socialist candidate in the ACT election, told Green Left: "Student allowances are already a pittance, and the tax deductibility status of computers and books is some relief for many students. On top of increased tuition and ancillary fees for courses, and cuts in student allowances, this would be just another blow."