Media Releases 2003

1 July  2003

Vice-Chancellors call for extension of the Educational Textbook Subsidy Scheme

Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC) CEO, John Mullarvey expressed disappointment today on behalf of all Australian Vice-Chancellors in the government’s decision to not continue the Educational Textbook Subsidy Scheme.

Mr Mullarvey said the abolishment of the Scheme goes against the government’s stated equity policy that “individuals should be enabled to fulfill their potential, regardless of their personal circumstances and background.”

“By not continuing the scheme low-income students will be clearly disadvantaged.

“Removal of the government subsidy will increase the costs of textbooks by the eight per cent value of the subsidy. This is a course-related ‘up-front’ charge for students that unlike course costs, cannot be deferred.”

The AVCC has written to the Minister for Education, Science and Training requesting that the Educational Textbook Subsidy Scheme be extended beyond the currently planned expiration date of 30 June 2004.

The AVCC is concerned that no funding has been announced in the 2003-04 budget for the extension of the Scheme and as an important equity measure that has worked effectively to mitigate the cost increase of educational text books under the GST, it should be continued.

“The AVCC strongly supports the extension of the textbook subsidy beyond the end of June 2004 and urges the government to reconsider the phasing out of this program,” Mr Mullarvey said.

“We need to ensure that costs are as fair and equitable as possible and that some students are not forced into extended hours of employment, to the detriment of their studies, in an effort to support the cost of their education.”

Media Inquiries Tracey Jiggins – phone: (02) 6285 8206 or 0400 166691