Fed: Govt alienating women by refusing to exempt tampons Dems

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2000
Fed: Govt alienating women by refusing to exempt tampons Dems

CANBERRA, Feb 15 AAP - The government's refusal to exempt women's sanitary products
from the GST was being viewed by women as "discrimination," the Australian Democrats said
today.

The Democrats are expected to ask Treasurer Peter Costello today to exempt tampons from the GST.

They are also expected to write to Health Minister Dr Michael Wooldridge asking him
to exempt breast pumps for nursing mothers.

"I think the women of Australia now see this as an issue relating to discrimination,"

Democrats leader Senator Meg Lees told ABC radio.

"So, I say to the Prime Minister, if he wants the women of Australia back onside and
supportive of tax reform, he will deal with an issue that is now very much seen as one
of discrimination," she said.

Federal parliament resumes today for its first sitting for 2000.

AAP dep/arb

KEYWORD: TAX TAMPONS (CARRIED EARLIER)

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