SA: SA teachers say schools should be GST exempt

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2000
SA: SA teachers say schools should be GST exempt

ADELAIDE, April 10 AAP - South Australian teachers today called for a total exemption
for education from the GST.

The SA branch of the Australian Education Union (AEU) said after examining the tax
office guide to the GST and schools, a total exemption was the only option to prevent
massive confusion.

"The booklet explodes the myth perpetuated by the federal government that schooling
would be GST free," said AEU state president John Gregory.

"Many items will be subject to the GST and even those that aren't will cost schools
additional time and labour because of complicated calculations about credit entitlements
from the tax office."

Mr Gregory said there would be complicated issues surrounding school fund raising,
the management of sponsorships and scholarships, the supply and sale of goods from canteens
and the supply of books and materials.

"And each part of the school has to set up its own GST systems," he said.

"Instead of a single business number, the education department has confirmed that each
GST registered entity will require its own business number with the school, the canteen,
the school council and the after school care program operating as separate businesses."

Mr Gregory said the tax changes would send workloads in schools skyrocketing and the
only clear and fair way to deal with the issue was to exempt schools entirely.

"Unless this happens schools will be plunged into confusion, parents will face huge
costs and students will be the ultimate losers," he said.

AAP tjd/bdm

KEYWORD: TAX SCHOOLS SA

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