One Nation senator Pauline Hanson says scrapping the “tampon tax” is not a national priority and won’t save women much money anyway.
Labor has promised it will scrap the GST on pads and tampons if elected at the next election, promising to fund the shortfall by taxing natural therapies like herbalism and naturopathy instead.
The opposition argues it’s a “tax on women” given products like Viagra, incontinence pads, sunscreen and nicotine patches are exempt from the GST.
But Senator Hanson believes it won’t save much.
“You’ve got just over 12 million women in Australia - that averages out to $2.46 per woman,” she told the Seven Network on Monday.
“Now, I know they all don’t need tampons but the fact is we’re talking about a minuscule amount.”
And she disagreed with the GST instead being placed on the 12 natural therapies.
“To think they’re going to take it off herbalism or naturopathy I think is not a good thing.
“Leave it alone, stay (sic) it where it is, it’s not a great amount of money. Let’s deal with the real issues in this country,” she added.
Independent senator Derryn Hinch vehemently disagreed, saying men didn’t have to pay GST for condoms or Viagra.
He vowed to vote to repeal the tax if it came up in parliament again.
“This isn’t a luxury product it’s a necessity. I don’t care how much it costs I voted with the Greens last time … any time they bring it up they got my vote instantly.”
