Scrap the cap on work education expenses, says Engineers Australia

Engineers Australia has joined an alliance of peak professional bodies opposing the government’s proposal to cap tax deductions on work-related expenses to $2000.

“The message from today’s joint meeting is clear: the proposal to cap deductions at $2000 is a fundamental threat to professional education in this country,” said Dr Brent Jackson, General Manager of Public Affairs for Engineers Australia.

Making it harder for professionals to invest in their skills and expertise is a backwards step for Australia, Jackson said.

“If the government is truly committed to maintaining high-tech, innovative manufacturing and construction capability in this country, then professional education must be treated as a priority. The last thing we should be doing is removing incentives for self-funded education.

“The government is faced with a simple choice: does it want a smart workforce or does it not? This tax proposal does nothing to make our workforce smarter and better skilled. In fact, it threatens to do the exact opposite.

“Self-education expense deductions are used by many Australians to increase their professional expertise and to keep up to date with new discoveries, techniques and ideas. This is simply a fair and equitable incentive for Australian workers to invest in growing their expertise, and the benefits accrue to the entire economy.

“Engineers Australia supports calls to scrap the cap on work-related education expenses, and we join the many professions across the country that stand united to oppose this policy proposal.”