Photographers seek relief

Press, 24 May 1977, Page 12

Photographers seek relief

PA Wellington The New Zealand Professional Photographers’ Association intends to make further submissions to the Government on reducing the level of sales tax on cameras, photographic equipment, and film. A background paper on the industry says that increased sales taxes on photographic equipment and materials has put an “unreasonable burden” on the industry. Last year all photographic equipment was made subject to 50 per cent sales tax and while fnuch of it was refundable if used by professional photographers, there were still some commonly used items which vyere not exempted. The paper says that surveys of association members taken over the last few years show a decrease in incomes and profits for photographers.

“While a number of photographers managed to

earn a reasonable income, many did not and it took long hours to achieve an even average living. “In the year ended March 31, 1974, a photographer owning his own business in a metropolitan centre worked an average of 52 hours a week and the average weekly wage computed to 40 hours was $112.80.” Less than half achieved a profit in their business, and photographers running retail businesses reported a drop in their turnover as a result of consumer resistance to the higher prices. The paper estimates that there are more than 6500 people directly involved in the photographic industry, including about 2400 professional photographers, who are affected by the sales tax. The association has had some success with representations to the Government on induvidual cases, but it intends to make further submissions for a reduction in the level of tax.