Tampons to be GST free from tomorrow

The price for women’s sanitary items will no longer include the 10 per cent GST as of New Year’s Day, after the federal government agreed to remove the tax.

The removal of the controversial tax is considered a win for women’s rights advocates who have fought the tax since it came into effect in 1999.

Advocates argued the tax was sexist, as other items like incontinence pads, sunscreen and viagra were exempt from GST.

Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, liners and period underwear will be GST-free, AAP reports.

The removal of the tax is expected to cost $30 million a year.

History of the tax

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg met with state and territory treasurers in October to discuss the touted changes and all agreed to axe the tax.

Speaking at the time, Minister for Women Kelly O’Dwyer described the tax as “unfair” and argued “millions of Australian women will benefit” from its removal.

And when he was still treasurer, Prime Minister Scott Morrison acknowledged the tampon tax should never have been implemented.

“I think it’s an anomaly that has been built into the system for a long time and the states have decided to hold onto the money instead of getting rid of it,” he told News Corp in AUgust.

Campaigners have been calling for the removal of the tax since 1999 when GST was first applied to the items.

– With AAP

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