Call to scrap GST on breastfeeding aids

Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm has passed a motion calling on the government to end the GST on breastfeeding products.

A crossbench senator has called on the government to scrap the GST on breastfeeding aids, on the back of a pledge to end the tax on tampons and sanitary pads.

The Liberal Democrats' David Leyonhjelm won support for a motion in the Senate on Tuesday labelling the aids an essential healthcare product for many mothers and babies.

Government minister James McGrath said there were no plans to scrap the GST on breastfeeding products.

"A change to the rate or base of GST would need to be supported by all the states and territories," Senator McGrath told parliament.

But Senator Leyonhjelm's motion noted the health minister could give health products GST-free status.

He pointed out that it had been done previously with incontinence pads, condoms, lubricants and nicotine patches.

The Turnbull government announced earlier in the month it would move to scrap the tax on tampons.

The change in heart came after years of lobbying from advocates pointing to items like condoms and lubricants already being exempt.


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Source: AAP



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