News that all state and territories have agreed to abolish the tax on sanitary products is welcomed by the Australian College of Nursing (ACN).
“Female personal hygiene products are essential to a woman’s health and wellbeing, and it is far past time for them to be recognised as a necessity,” said Australian College of Nursing CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.
“ACN has previously called for the removal of this discriminating tax and is pleased to hear we have finally achieved an outcome which will benefit all Australians.”
The tax is expected to be removed from sanitary products beginning January 1, 2019. Public consultation will advise the Government of what items will be included on the exemption list, but is anticipated to include pads, tampons and menstrual cups.
“It has been found that Australian women spend approximately $300 million on sanitary products each year,” said Adjunct Professor Ward.
“For those women who are facing disadvantage and financial distress, worrying about choosing between food and sanitary products – both of which are fundamental – is a very real dilemma. Exempting personal hygiene items from GST will make them more affordable.”
