Exercise Physiology Services Face Unfair Tax, Says ESSA
Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) has launched a campaign to remove the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on exercise physiology services. While Australian health services are generally GST-exempt, exercise physiology is notably absent from that list.
"The tax is unfair and discriminates against patients with chronic conditions." — ESSA
What Exercise Physiologists Do
Exercise physiologists use prescribed exercise to treat a range of conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Obesity
- Chronic pain
- Postsurgical rehabilitation
The Core Issue
Brisbane exercise physiologist Tim Dogue stated that his profession "appears to be the only allied health profession still subject to GST."
ESSA chief executive Katie Lyndon explained that exercise physiology was a newly emerging field when GST was introduced in 2000. Despite the profession gaining medical recognition since then, the tax has not been updated. Lyndon noted that the costs are ultimately passed on to chronically ill patients during a cost-of-living crisis.
Widespread Recognition
ESSA is recognized by major health bodies, including:
- Medicare
- The Department of Veteran Affairs
- Workcover
- The NDIS
- Private health insurance
- Aged care
Political Action
Senator David Pocock plans to table an "axe the tax" petition in federal parliament. The Australian Treasury has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.