Most Australians assume that healthcare is tax-free. For the most part, it is. But there’s a 25-year-old loophole that means people seeing an exercise physiologist pay an extra 10% on every single visit — and the industry is now pushing hard to fix it.
The Tax That Shouldn’t Exist
When GST was introduced in 2000, healthcare was made tax-free. Exercise physiology was left off the list because it was an emerging field at the time. A quarter of a century later, the profession looks completely different.
Exercise physiology is now recognised by Medicare, the DVA, NDIS, and private health insurers — yet patients still pay an extra 10% every visit. That’s not an oversight anymore. It’s an anomaly.
What It Actually Costs People
The impact isn’t abstract. The average exercise physiology consultation costs between $70–$100 per hour, meaning the GST adds $7–$10 per session. For someone managing a chronic condition long-term, that adds up fast.
Under Medicare, only five consultations are GST-exempt when referred by a GP. From the sixth visit onwards, the 10% charge applies — precisely when clients are typically starting to see real progress.
Exercise physiologists work across chronic disease management, NDIS, WorkCover, mental health, and rehabilitation. These are not discretionary services. Taxing them as if they were is hard to justify.
The Fix Is Simple
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) — the peak body for accredited exercise physiologists — is calling on the Federal Government to amend Section 38-10 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 to include exercise physiology as a GST-free health service.
It’s a targeted, practical amendment. No new policy. No new funding. Just closing a gap that should have been closed decades ago.
The petition already has over 17,000 signatures. Sign the petition here — it takes less than two minutes and genuinely makes a difference. Share it with anyone who sees an exercise physiologist.
Why EP360 Is Backing This Campaign
At EP360, we’ve supported people of all ages and circumstances across Sydney’s Inner West for over 10 years. We know first-hand that cost is one of the biggest barriers to consistent, quality healthcare. Removing the GST won’t fix everything — but it’s a step in the right direction, and it’s long overdue.
If you’re looking for support with your health and movement, our team at EP360 would love to help — get in touch.
