TAX REBATE FOR EDUCATION EXPENSES WELCOMED

MEDIA RELEASE, THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF VICTORIA, 12 NOVEMBER 2007

The Chief Executive of the Association of Independent Schools of Victoria, Michelle Green, has stated that the
Coalition's election announcement of a tax rebate for education expenses will be welcomed by parents who choose
to invest family income in the education of their children.

The campaign promise is for a 40 per cent rebate to a maximum of $2000 in secondary schools, or $1000 in primary schools, covering fees, excursions, text books, tools and computer equipment from kindergarten to the end of
secondary school.

'The announcement recognises the significant contribution to education that parents are making when they send their children to independent schools, whether they are the traditional well-established institutions or the many smaller
low-fee schools set up to meet community, social, cultural or religious needs,' Ms Green said.

'Parents sending their children to non-government schools are saving other taxpayers almost $5 billion a year,'
she said.

'We welcome the fact that the rebate is available to parents whether they send their children to government or non-government schools. Suggestions that the education rebate should be indexed against income ignore the fact that
many low-income families choose to send their children to non-government schools and many parents who are
considered well-off choose government schools. Choice of school is often based on educational, philosophical, social
and religious values rather than just the cost of the education. Rebates for all parents will support choice, balance and quality in our schools,' Ms Green said.

 

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