The Hidden Tax on Health: Why Exercise Physiology Deserves a Fair Shake
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 essentially being penalized for providing essential services. Personally, I think this is one of those policy oversights that, once you see it, you can’t unsee. It’s not just about the 10% GST—it’s about the message it sends: that improving your health through exercise is somehow less important than other forms of healthcare.
The Unfair Burden on Chronic Illness
Exercise physiologists specialize in using targeted exercise to manage chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and obesity. What many people don’t realize is that these professionals are often the last line of defense for individuals who are at high risk of complications or even premature death. Take the story of Jenny Dogue, whose life was transformed through exercise physiology. She went from struggling with chronic lung disease and joint injuries to regaining her mobility and independence. This isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a testament to the power of this field.
But here’s the kicker: while Jenny and others like her are benefiting from these services, they’re also being hit with a tax that no other allied health profession faces. In my opinion, this is a clear case of policy not keeping up with progress. Exercise physiology wasn’t on the radar when the GST was introduced in 2000, but it’s now a recognized and vital part of Australia’s healthcare system. The fact that it’s still being treated as a taxable luxury is, frankly, absurd.
The Broader Implications of the GST
If you take a step back and think about it, this tax isn’t just a financial burden—it’s a barrier to access. In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, every dollar counts, especially for those with chronic illnesses who are already facing mounting medical expenses. ESSA’s chief executive, Katie Lyndon, puts it bluntly: the GST is being passed on to Australia’s most vulnerable. This raises a deeper question: why are we making it harder for people to access services that could reduce their reliance on more expensive interventions down the line?
What this really suggests is that there’s a disconnect between how we value different forms of healthcare. We’re quick to exempt services like physiotherapy and occupational therapy from GST, but exercise physiology—which often overlaps with these fields—is left out in the cold. From my perspective, this isn’t just unfair; it’s short-sighted. Investing in preventative care like exercise physiology could save the healthcare system millions in the long run.
The Social and Emotional Dividends
One thing that immediately stands out is the social and emotional impact of exercise physiology. Jenny Dogue’s story isn’t just about physical gains—it’s about the community she’s found through her workouts. They celebrate each other’s bone density scores over coffee. That kind of camaraderie is priceless, and it’s a reminder that health isn’t just about the body; it’s about the whole person.
This is a detail that I find especially interesting: exercise physiology isn’t just a clinical intervention; it’s a social one. Yet, the GST treats it as a transactional service, ignoring the broader benefits it provides. If we’re serious about holistic health, we need to recognize and support these multifaceted approaches.
The Path Forward
Senator David Pocock’s decision to table an ‘axe the tax’ petition is a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning. What makes this particularly fascinating is that it’s not just a niche issue—it’s a symptom of a larger problem in how we prioritize healthcare. Exercise physiology is recognized by Medicare, the NDIS, and private health insurers, yet it’s still being treated as an afterthought when it comes to taxation.
In my opinion, this is a no-brainer. Scrapping the GST on exercise physiology isn’t just about fairness; it’s about aligning our policies with our values. If we truly believe in preventative care and holistic health, we need to put our money where our mouth is.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this issue, I’m struck by how often we overlook the obvious. Exercise physiology isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline for many. Taxing it as if it were anything less is not just unfair; it’s counterproductive. If we want a healthier, more resilient population, we need to remove the barriers that stand in the way.
This raises a deeper question: what other overlooked areas of healthcare are being held back by outdated policies? Exercise physiology might be the tip of the iceberg. Personally, I think it’s time for a broader conversation about how we value and support all forms of healthcare—not just the ones that fit neatly into existing frameworks.
The ‘axe the tax’ campaign isn’t just about exercise physiologists; it’s about all of us. It’s a call to rethink how we prioritize health in our society. And in my opinion, that’s a conversation worth having.
