IPA chief executive officer Andrew Conway said a deferment indicated the “bad policy” is still being considered.

“The IPA, like many professional associations, has been advocating for the government to reverse its intention to restrict investment in ongoing education,” Mr Conway said in a statement.

“While further consultation time is welcomed, there is an evident need to reassure Australians partaking in ongoing education and skills maintenance.”

Accountants are required to do around 40 hours of continuing professional study per year, he said, and are increasingly having to compete with graduates from Asia.

“We are calling on the government to provide certainty instead of this nonsensical policy that reinforces a goal of mediocrity at a time when Australia’s competitiveness needs to be strengthened,” Mr Conway said.