Victorian private schools ‘fearmongering’ over job losses after tax exemptions axed, experts say

Victorian education experts say state budget changes which mean ‘high-fee’ private schools will lose some tax exemptions will make things more equitable. Photograph: Erik Anderson/AAP

Fears that stripping “high-fee” Victorian private schools of their payroll tax exemption will lead to job losses are a “red herring”, education experts say.

The change, revealed in last week’s state budget, means about 110 private schools will be required to pay tax on staff salaries, raising more than $420m over three years.