Education Tax Refund Scheme
The Education Tax Refund (ETR) is a new government initiative to help with the cost of educating primary and secondary school children. It means eligible parents, carers, legal guardians and independent students could get 50% back on some education expenses. This includes items like computers, educational software, textbooks and stationery.
What Apple called a "magical and revolutionary product" would be deemed a laptop, the Australian Taxation Office said.
Software for educational purposes is also covered in the ETR, alongside other applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, internet filters and antivirus software.
Disability aids to assist in the use of computer equipment for students with special needs are also included under this scheme.
The Apple IPad hits Australian stores this month and has already had rave reviews internationally when used in combination with Proloquo2Go software as revolutionalising Augmentive communication for non verbal individuals.
More information on the scheme here
UBE3A Gene sequencing now in Australia
For the first time in Australia, testing for the UBE3A gene sequencing is now available through the Mater Health Services Pathology in Brisbane, Queensland. At this stage, this is a fee-for-service testing. Please refer to your Geneticist / Paediatrican to order this test.
Information for Paediatricians/Geneticists/Laboratories:
Queries regarding the UBE3A gene sequencing can be directed the following contacts at the Department of Pathology, Mater Helath Services Brisbane:
Dr David M. Cowley FRCPA, FHGSA,
Director of Chemical Pathology
David.Cowley(at)mater.org.au
Mr Ivan McGown MHGSA,
Supervising Scientist, Molecular Genetic
Ivan.McGown(at)mater.org.au
Telephone: 07 3163 8500