We are super excited here at Modibodi to hear the recent joint announcement by Greens and Labor Party to push the removal on the GST on sanitary products, especially because it gives our periods some time to shine. However, unfortunately this announcement is only applicable to disposable hygiene, such as pads and tampons and kind of defeats the purpose of “axing the tax” as this still enables the government to continue to tax our periods through reusable and other sustainable menstruation hygiene options, and we just aren’t for it!
So, what is the “Tampon Tax” anyway?
The Tampon Tax in Australia is a name given to the GST (Goods and Services Tax) on disposable female hygiene products which was implemented on 1st July 2000 under the Howard government, replacing the previous federal wholesale sale tax system and designed to phase out a number of various State and Territory Government taxes, duties and levies such as banking taxes and stamp duty. In simpler words, we pay a 10% tax nationwide on most of our goods and services that are considered a “luxury” items, such as a fancy handbag or avocado on toast from Brewtown Newtown. Items exempt from this tax include most necessities such as basic food, education, medical items, water and sewerage and precious metals. But not female hygiene! Yes, that’s right, if you didn’t already know we pay a 10% GST tax on female hygiene products as these are considered a luxury item, however products such as condoms are GST free. It’s extremely disappointing that the tax was implemented on female hygiene in the first place and that the Australian Government have essentially been taxing women for being women. Sounds like discrimination to us!
With all the talk about the push to remove the tax Modibodi has decided to make some noise about the inclusion of sustainable products. We are asking for Tayna Plibersek, Janet Rice and other members of parliament to change this position as they are currently dismissing the impact that these disposable products have on our landfill and waterways. As well as passing this cost and allowing women to have the option of choosing sustainable and reusable hygiene tax-free.
We have joined forces with other reusable sustainable hygiene brands as this is an opportunity to encourage more women to become more environmentally aware as well as more comfortable by providing an alternative to pads and tampons. Please sign our petition in the push to include reusable female hygiene products in the “Axe the Tax” campaign.
Join our campaign to have Sustainable and reusable products like Modibodi period underwear, menstrual cups and reusable pads included in the bill. Axe The Tax
UPDATE - We are delighted to announce that Australian Greens Senator, Janet Rice has contacted Modibodi to inform us that reusable hygiene products such as period cups, reusable pads and period underwear have now been added to the Axe the Tampon Tax Bill 2018. More details about the amended Bill can be found here.
We ask that you continue to share this petition to raise more awareness about the campaign and assist the Greens and Labor parties in Axing the Tax on ALL menstrual hygiene products.
Thank you for your support.
