Growing up with complete hair loss, wigs weren’t an accessory for me—they were a necessity for leading a life without unnecessary hurdles. My journey began early in life, and having worn wigs throughout my existence, I can’t stress enough how vital these cranial prosthetics (Medical Wigs) are for people like me. Today, I run a business dedicated to providing these medical wigs to individuals who are battling severe illnesses, and the financial burden placed upon them by the Goods and Services Tax (GST) needs immediate attention.

Currently in Australia, cranial prosthetics such as wigs are subject to the GST. This heavy tax goes against the principle of treating all prosthetics equally, as other necessary prosthetics designed for medical purposes are exempt from this tax. This discrepancy places an unjust financial strain on those who need these wigs to maintain not just their aesthetic appearance but their dignity and psychological well-being as they face various medical challenges such as cancer, Alopecia, and more.

Statistics indicate that the number of Australians needing cranial prosthetics is on the rise, particularly due to increasing cancer diagnoses. The Australian Taxation Office recognises many medical devices as GST-free; however, wigs remain on the list of taxed goods, sending a message that these vital tools for recovery and normalcy are less important. This classification is inequitable and needs rectification.

The removal of GST from cranial prosthetics would not only correct this inequity but also provide much-needed financial relief to countless Australians relying on these medical wigs during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. This change is essential for fairness and equal treatment under tax law.

I urge the Australian Government to re-evaluate this oversight and bring cranial prosthetics into alignment with all other GST-free prosthetics. This adjustment will ensure that those who need them most can continue to use them without the burden of additional taxation.

According to the Australian Taxation Office, the sale of a medical aid or appliance product is GST-free if it meets all 3 of the following conditions:

• It's listed in schedule 3 to the GST Act or in section 38-45.01(1) of the GST regulations.
• It's specifically designed for people with an illness or disability.
• It's not widely used by people without an illness or a disability.

I invite you to call on the Australian Government to correct this inequity by listing cranial prosthetics in Schedule 3 to the GST Act or in section 38-45.01 of the GST regulation and thereby remove GST from these essential medical hair prostheses without delay, by signing this petition. 

Thank you

Tammy x