Tax cuts?: CAPA slams government's skewed priorities

The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations is asking Australians to oppose the government's suggested tax cuts.

"The Treasurer has announced a $7.5 billion budget surplus--$3.6 billion more than expected. Mr Costello is suggesting returning some of this surplus to Australians through tax cuts. We say, return it to us through decent university funding, through investment in public health care. Return it to us in ways from which all Australians will benefit," said CAPA President Benjamin McKay today.

"The government is in the process of trying to pass legislation which would see student's HECS fees increase by up to 30%, and interest charged on government loans for up-front fees. They are offering $404 million in extra funding (less than 7% of the $6 billion this government has cut from higher ed since coming to office), on the proviso that universities adhere to a frivolous, ideologically-driven agenda to disable education unions," Mr McKay went on.

"The interest on up-front fee loans, in particular, represents a turning point in Australian higher education policy," Mr McKay continued. "It means that students who can afford to pay up-front will get a cheaper education than those who need to borrow the money. Estimates indicate that an average interest accruing fee-loan will mean the poor students pays about $4500 more for their education than the wealthy student."

"Our Treasurer can give taxpayers an average $10 a week in tax cuts, or he can give all Australians access to better education and health. CAPA is asking Australians to let their local MP know that what we really need is better health and education for all--not a tax cut which will most benefit the wealthy," Mr McKay concluded.