Jo Haylen, State Member for Summer Hill, today condemned the NSW Liberal Government for refusing to commit to axing the GST charged on feminine hygiene products including tampons.

In a fiery Question Time, NSW Minister for Women Tanya Davies refused to support Labor’s policy and accused the Labor Party of confected sensitivity on the issue.

Her decision makes NSW one of the few states or territories that does not support the removal of what is known as the ‘Tampon Tax’.

Labor has committed to covering the windfall that removing the GST charged on feminine hygiene products, but the Commonwealth Government requires the states and territories to agree to the proposal.  

It is estimated that women spend $200 a year on their periods, and Labor believes women should not be taxed on these essential items that enable them to live, work and participate fully in the community.

Quotes attributable to Member for Summer Hill, Jo Haylen

“It beggars belief that in 2018 we are charging women extra just for having their period.

“We fail women if we keep this in the too hard basket.

“Tanya Davies and Gladys Berejiklian must act for women’s health and support axing the tax.

"Labor’s commitment to axing the tax is a credit to community activists and local community that have worked so hard for reform, including ‘Share the Dignity’.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Shadow Minister for Women, Jenny Aitchison

“It is profoundly disappointing that the NSW Minister for Women and the Coalition government she represents cannot find it in any way possible to help women at the most basic level.

“The lives of millions of NSW women would be improved immediately if this tampon tax was removed. Removal of the GST recognises that women should not be charged a tax to deal with their periods.

“Labor says to women and girls everywhere that periods are normal, and they shouldn’t be taxed for something that is already a big enough inconvenience in their lives.”