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 physiology services. While most health services enjoy GST exemptions, exercise physiologists—professionals who use targeted exercise to treat chronic illnesses, injuries, and rehabilitation—are slapped with a 10% tax. It’s a policy that feels like a slap in the face, not just to these professionals, but to the vulnerable Australians they serve.
The Unfair Burden on Chronic Illness
What makes this particularly fascinating is how exercise physiology is often the last line of defense for people with chronic conditions. Diabetes, arthritis, obesity, chronic pain—these aren’t lifestyle choices; they’re battles people fight every day. Exercise physiologists provide a lifeline, yet the GST adds an unnecessary financial barrier. Personally, I think this is where the system fails its most vulnerable. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the message it sends. Are we really saying that managing chronic illness should come with a premium?
Take Jenny Dogue’s story, for example. After working with her son, exercise physiologist Tim Dogue, she regained the ability to walk upstairs and garden—activities most of us take for granted. What many people don’t realize is that these small victories are life-changing. They’re not just physical; they’re emotional and social. As Jenny put it, it’s about feeling stronger, less at risk, and part of a community. Yet, the GST threatens to price this out of reach for many.
A Profession Left Behind
One thing that immediately stands out is how exercise physiology has been left behind by policy. When the GST was introduced in 2000, the field was still emerging. Fast forward two decades, and it’s now a recognized part of Australia’s healthcare system, endorsed by Medicare, the NDIS, and private health insurers. But the tax hasn’t caught up. From my perspective, this is a classic case of policy inertia. We’ve recognized the value of exercise physiology in theory, but in practice, we’re still treating it like a luxury rather than a necessity.
This raises a deeper question: Why do we undervalue preventative and rehabilitative care? Exercise physiologists aren’t just personal trainers; they’re healthcare professionals who tailor programs to manage complex conditions. If you take a step back and think about it, taxing their services is like taxing insulin or physiotherapy. It’s absurd.
The Broader Implications
What this really suggests is a systemic issue in how we prioritize healthcare. We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and chronic illnesses are on the rise. Yet, instead of making essential services more accessible, we’re adding barriers. ESSA’s ‘axe the tax’ campaign isn’t just about fairness for exercise physiologists; it’s about fairness for patients. As Katie Lyndon, ESSA’s CEO, pointed out, the cost is being passed on to those who can least afford it.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this tax reflects a broader misunderstanding of exercise physiology. It’s often seen as optional or cosmetic, but for many, it’s a lifeline. We celebrate stories of people like Jenny, yet we’re unwilling to remove the financial hurdles that stand in their way.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change
In my opinion, the solution is clear: exercise physiology should be GST-free. Senator David Pocock’s petition is a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning. We need a broader conversation about how we value preventative and rehabilitative care. If we’re serious about tackling chronic illness and reducing the burden on the healthcare system, we need to remove barriers, not create them.
What makes this particularly urgent is the timing. With healthcare costs rising and chronic illnesses becoming more prevalent, we can’t afford to leave exercise physiology behind. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about smart policy.
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 vital part of healthcare. Taxing it is like taxing hope. Personally, I think it’s time we stop treating it like an afterthought. If we truly believe in a healthier Australia, we need to start by removing the barriers that stand in the way. The ‘axe the tax’ campaign isn’t just a fight for exercise physiologists—it’s a fight for anyone who believes healthcare should be accessible to all.
