The Hidden Tax on Health: Why Exercise Physiology Deserves a Fair Go
There’s something deeply ironic about taxing people for trying to get healthier. Yet, that’s exactly what’s happening in Australia with exercise physiologists—a group of healthcare professionals who are, in my opinion, unsung heroes in the fight against chronic disease. Personally, I think the 10% GST on their services is not just a financial burden but a symbolic slap in the face to those who are already battling health challenges. It’s like penalizing someone for taking the stairs instead of the elevator—counterintuitive, to say the least.
The Unfair Burden on Chronic Illness
What makes this particularly fascinating is how exercise physiologists are lumped into a tax category that doesn’t reflect their role in the healthcare system. These professionals aren’t just personal trainers; they’re specialists who design tailored exercise programs to manage conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and chronic pain. From my perspective, this is as essential as any other medical service—yet it’s treated like a luxury.
Take Tim Dogue, a Brisbane-based exercise physiologist, who points out the absurdity of this tax. His own mother, Jenny, became a client to manage her chronic lung disease and injuries. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of this field. She regained mobility, reduced her pain, and even found a social support system through her workouts. What this really suggests is that exercise physiology isn’t just about physical health—it’s about reclaiming a sense of normalcy and dignity.
A Tax That Doesn’t Add Up
One thing that immediately stands out is the historical context of this tax. When the GST was introduced in 2000, exercise physiology was still an emerging field. Fast forward to today, and it’s a recognized part of the healthcare ecosystem, endorsed by Medicare, the NDIS, and private health insurers. Yet, the tax hasn’t evolved with the field. This raises a deeper question: Why are we still treating this profession like an afterthought?
What many people don’t realize is that this tax isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s a barrier to access for some of Australia’s most vulnerable citizens. In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, every dollar counts. Passing this tax onto patients means fewer people can afford the care they need. If you take a step back and think about it, we’re essentially taxing people for trying to avoid long-term, costly health complications. It’s short-sighted and, frankly, cruel.
The Broader Implications
This issue isn’t just about exercise physiologists—it’s about how we value preventive healthcare. Chronic diseases are a massive burden on the healthcare system, yet we’re making it harder for people to access the very services that could reduce that burden. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this tax contradicts Australia’s broader health policies. We spend billions treating chronic conditions but hesitate to invest in prevention.
The campaign to ‘axe the tax’ isn’t just a professional grievance; it’s a call to align our tax system with our health priorities. Senator David Pocock’s decision to table a petition in federal parliament is a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning. What this really suggests is that we need a fundamental rethink of how we classify and support allied health services.
A Call to Action
In my opinion, the GST on exercise physiology is a relic of outdated thinking. It’s time to recognize this field for what it is: a vital part of modern healthcare. Personally, I think this campaign should spark a broader conversation about how we fund preventive care. If we can’t agree that helping people manage chronic diseases is worth exempting from tax, what does that say about our priorities?
As someone who’s watched friends and family struggle with chronic illnesses, I know firsthand the difference the right support can make. Exercise physiology isn’t just about exercise—it’s about hope, independence, and quality of life. Taxing that seems not just unfair, but morally questionable.
So, here’s my takeaway: Let’s stop treating health like a luxury and start treating it like a right. Axing this tax isn’t just good policy—it’s the right thing to do.
