GST on books: a tax on knowledge - removal would ease student poverty
11 October 2001
The union representing university staff has welcomed the announcement by the Australian Democrats that they will support the removal of the GST from books.
“GST on books is an anti-learning policy”, Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU National President said. “We welcome this announcement and look forward to the abolition of the GST on books.
“The removal of GST on books will relieve some of the heavy financial burden on students. A recent survey of student finances found that students were struggling to find enough money to pay the rent or enough time to study.
“The proportion of students needing to work to support themselves is up nearly 50% since the last survey in 1984. Nearly 60% of students believe that their employment was adversely affecting their studies. The GST on books has compounded this problem.
“Despite the textbook subsidy, the GST on books is an impediment for students to read broadly in their studies.
“The GST on books is part of a much bigger anti-learning agenda by the Howard Government including making it harder for students to get income support, increased fees and funding cuts. The removal of the GST from books is an important element in reversing the damage to our education- but much more needs to be done in this election campaign to rescue our education system.”