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AUSactive is calling on the public to show their support for its call for the upcoming Federal budget to include tax deductions for active health memberships with the launch of a change .org petition - that is already nearing 5,000 signatures.

By pushing the Federal Government to acknowledge the importance of staying fit and well by allowing tax deductions, AUSactive Chief Executive Barrie Elvish explains that this will incentivise people to make their health a priority.

Elvish notes “shockingly, 75% of Australians aren't getting enough exercise and our priority is on reducing barriers for people to be more active. Allowing tax deductions for individuals to join a gym or take up yoga, Pilates or tai chi means people have an added incentive to get active as a preventative health measure.”

The Federal Government estimates that last year, eight million Australians were participating in gym and fitness and AUSactive believes that tax incentives would allow even more people to take up this activity.

Elvish states “the Australian Government uses the tax system to encourage us to invest in our superannuation to reduce dependency on the government funded pension when we retire. Similarly, the government uses the tax system to encourage Australians to take up private health insurance to reduce demands on the public hospital system.

“It is ironic that I can get a tax deduction for donating to an NFP Health Association whose services I would only use if I became chronically sick, why not encourage Australians to proactively take personal responsibility and invest in their own health and wellbeing by making gym memberships, including Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi, tax deductible.”

Despite these clear benefits, AUSactive highlights that gym and other active health memberships aren't currently eligible for tax deductions. Changing this would make it easier for people to stay well by encouraging them to engage in regular exercise and will relieve cost of living pressures for people who are looking after their health.

In February, AUSactive delivered a budget submission on the need for change but now needs the public’s support to give the initiative a final push before the Federal Budget next month.

AUSactive cites National Australia Bank research that indicates gym memberships are among the first expenses to be cut for those experiencing financial stress.

Elvish added “this will also save money on future government costs by keeping people out of the health system. Let's make investing in personal health simpler by allowing tax deductions for gym memberships.”

“Your support will show that you believe in making physical activity more accessible and promoting healthier lives for everyone. We want to keep the momentum going in the final weeks before the Federal Budget next month to give our proposal the best chance of being passed.

“The time to act is now. Together, we can make our nation healthier and more active.”

Click here to find out and sign the petition.

Images: Tax deductions for gym and related memberships will incentivise people to make their health a priority (top, credit: Shutterstock) and AUSactive Chief Executive Barrie Elvish (below, credit: AUSactive).

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