UNIVERSITY STAFF BACK ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
June 22, 2005
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) today called on Australian Senators to support Senator Natasha Stott Despoja's Private Members Bill Taxation Laws Amendment (Scholarship) Bill 2005.
"This Bill provides an opportunity for the Government to ensure that the support offered to students through scholarships is fully and effectively utilized," said Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU National President.
"Under the Bill introduced yesterday, part-time scholarships would no longer be taxed and all scholarships, whether they are Commonwealth, industry or university-funded would be freed from social security income testing."
"There can be no doubt that the rising cost of university education, both in terms of increased fees and rising ancillary and living costs, is a growing burden on students and their families, particularly to those students who have traditionally been excluded from entry," said Dr Allport.
"Scholarships play a significant role in facilitating access to education for those students most in need of support, in particular students from low socio-economic backgrounds, women and Indigenous students. It is essential that the support that they do receive is not undercut by social security and tax burdens," said Dr Allport.
"Students in receipt of part-time scholarships, particularly women, are often attempting to balance family and study commitments and it is vital that they are given the opportunity to do so without being financially penalised," said Dr Allport.
"Similarly, it is essential that students in receipt of non-government scholarships do not have otehr forms of inocme support curtailed, thereby reducing the usefulness of their scholarship in the first place."
"The NTEU has supported the Government's Scholarship program and its exemption from income testing and calls on the Senate to ensure that all scholarship holders are given the same opportunities."
For Further Information and Comment Contact:
Emma Cull, NTEU Policy and Research Officer, (03) 9254 1910