The Hidden Tax on Health: Why Exercise Physiology Deserves a Fair Shake
There’s a quiet injustice lurking in Australia’s healthcare system, and it’s one that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Personally, I think the GST on exercise physiology services is a prime example of how policy can inadvertently penalize those who need help the most. Let me explain why this isn’t just a niche issue—it’s a symptom of a larger problem in how we value preventive and rehabilitative care.
The Unfair Burden on Chronic Illness
Exercise physiologists are essentially the unsung heroes of the healthcare world. They work with people battling chronic diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and obesity, using tailored exercise programs to improve quality of life. What many people don’t realize is that these professionals are often the last line of defense against worsening health conditions. Yet, their services are slapped with a 10% GST, a tax that other allied health services—like physiotherapy or dietetics—don’t have to pay.
From my perspective, this is more than just a financial inconvenience. It’s a barrier to care for some of Australia’s most vulnerable populations. Take Jenny Dogue, for example, whose story is both inspiring and revealing. After working with her son, an exercise physiologist, she regained the ability to walk upstairs and garden—activities that were once impossible due to chronic lung disease and injuries. But here’s the kicker: her progress came at a cost, literally, thanks to that GST.
The Social and Emotional Ripple Effect
What makes this particularly fascinating is the broader impact of exercise physiology. It’s not just about physical health. Jenny’s story highlights the social and emotional benefits—the camaraderie, the shared victories, even the excitement over bone density scores. If you take a step back and think about it, this is healthcare at its most holistic. Yet, the tax system treats it as a luxury rather than a necessity.
One thing that immediately stands out is the disconnect between how exercise physiology is perceived and how it’s treated in policy. ESSA’s chief executive, Katie Lyndon, points out that the field has gained recognition from Medicare, the NDIS, and other major healthcare bodies. But the GST remains unchanged since its introduction in 2000. This raises a deeper question: Why hasn’t the tax system caught up with the medical field’s evolution?
The Cost-of-Living Crisis Angle
In my opinion, the timing of this debate couldn’t be more critical. Australia is in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, and every dollar counts for families already stretched thin. Passing the GST onto patients means that those who could benefit most from exercise physiology might be priced out. It’s unconscionable, as Lyndon puts it, especially when you consider the long-term savings to the healthcare system from preventing complications of chronic diseases.
What this really suggests is that we’re still treating healthcare reactively rather than proactively. Exercise physiologists are on the front lines of prevention, yet their services are taxed as if they’re optional. If we’re serious about reducing the burden of chronic illness, this is a no-brainer—axe the tax.
The Broader Implications
A detail that I find especially interesting is how this issue reflects a global trend. Many countries are grappling with how to integrate preventive care into their healthcare systems, but few seem to recognize the financial barriers patients face. Australia has a chance to lead here by removing the GST, but it requires political will. Senator David Pocock’s petition is a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning.
If we zoom out, this isn’t just about exercise physiology. It’s about how we value health itself. Are we willing to invest in services that improve quality of life and reduce long-term costs, or will we continue to treat them as secondary? Personally, I think the answer is clear—but it’s going to take more than just advocacy to change the status quo.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this issue, I’m struck by how much it reveals about our priorities. Exercise physiology isn’t just about treating diseases; it’s about restoring dignity, independence, and community. Yet, the GST treats it as a luxury, not a lifeline. If there’s one takeaway here, it’s this: healthcare policy should never penalize those who are trying to get better. It’s time to axe the tax—not just for exercise physiologists, but for the millions of Australians who rely on them.
