Australia agrees to reconsider 'sexist tampon tax'

When Australia introduced GST in 2000, health products such as condoms and sunscreen were exempt from the 10% charge

SYDNEY: Australia's Treasurer Joe Hockey will reconsider what has been dubbed the "tampon tax" after a campaign by a university student rallied nearly 100,000 supporters in branding the levy sexist.

When Australia introduced a Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2000, health products such as condoms and sunscreen were exempt from the 10 per cent charge, along with most foods.

But tampons and other women's hygiene products were not, despite an outcry at the time.

Hockey admitted late on Monday that tampons "probably should" be considered essential health products and therefore GST-free, but said any decision would have to be backed by state and territory governments which receive revenues from the tax.