BARRY BROTHERS TAKE STAND TO AXE TAMPON TAX
A BRISBANE business is taking a stand against the controversial “tampon tax”, becoming the first in the country to scrap the GST on feminine hygiene products.
Brothers Josh and Kris Barry, who run online organic grocery store Barry Bros, are hoping their stance will encourage other businesses to follow suit.
It comes after Federal Liberal and Labor senators last month voted down an amendment championed by Greens Senator Larissa Waters to the Treasury Laws Amendment (GST Low Value Goods) Bill 2017, which would have axed the tampon tax.
Josh said he was “lobbying for common sense”.
“We feel strongly that tampons and pads shouldn’t be taxed while condoms, lubricants and other toiletries are GST-free,” he said.
“Women deserve to have these necessities, which are not luxuries, made accessible and affordable. It’s such a small part of our business that it doesn’t affect us at all.”
Senator Waters said there was no longer a revenue excuse for the “sexist, discriminatory” tax on necessary items, especially given condoms were GST-free.
“I commend this retailer, but it’s embarrassing that small business is leading the way and the Federal Government and Opposition are still dragging their heels,” she said.
“They could end tax breaks to big business, but instead they continue to support this deeply sexist tax on women.”