LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has joined more than 1.6 million Australian professionals calling on the Rudd Government to “scrap the cap.”
It comes after Labor announced plans to impose a $2000 cap on tax deductibility of self-education expenses.
“This cap was introduced as part of Rudd’s $2.8 billion in higher education cuts to supposedly pay for the school education changes recommended in the Gonski report,” Mr Entsch said.
“In total, Labor is cutting $4.7 billion from education over the next four years.
“The entire thing reeks of deception.”
He described the cap as a tax on “learning, innovation, aspiration and professional development.”
“Regional Australia will be particularly disadvantaged because of the higher costs involved in further study and professional training, make no mistake, this will hit Leichhardt residents hard.”
He said the changes would hurt health and education professionals in particular.
“It means our hardworking doctors, nurses and teachers will struggle to afford essential training to keep them at the top of their game,” Mr Entsch said.
“This is an all-out attack on Australia’s skilled workforce and it must be stopped.
“Labor made the mistake; now it is up to them to fix it.”
FNQ Pharmacy Guild Representative and National President of the Australian College of Pharmacy, Trent Twomey described the move as “outrageous.”
“There are very real dangers that this proposal could have an impact on the health outcomes of our community if health professionals like me are not up with the latest techniques, medicines and developments in their field,” the Cairns-based pharmacist said.
“Community pharmacists need access to the best possible continuing education to further manage and improve the health of all members of the Australian community.
This plan will potentially deny consumers access to the best health services.”
Mr Entsch said it was another example of a Government struggling in the face of a $300 billion national debt.
Media Contact: Nikki Taylor (Warren Entsch’s office) 0427 585 668
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