AUSactive disappointed over Federal budget failure to deliver on wellness

AUSactive Chief Executive Barrie Elvish has expressed his disappointment at the Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers failing to include measures such as tax deductibility for gym memberships for all taxpayers and fringe benefit tax exemption for employer provided gym memberships.

AUSactive had, in a widely publicised campaign, advocated for Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions for employer provided gym memberships, tax deductibility for gym memberships for all taxpayers and a national public health campaign developed with key stakeholders to promote the uptake of physical activity and exercise in all forms.

However, with Treasurer Chalmers failed to act in any of these areas in Tuesday's budget, Elvish took to social media to express his disappointment.

Elvish wrote “last night’s Budget was disappointing for the health of all Australians, but we remain hopeful with our ongoing conversations with the government about the 2025/26 Budget.

“The total Health Budget of almost $113 billion, less than 1% was itemised under ‘A fit and healthy Australia’, and less than one-tenth of 1% was for preventive health.

“Compare this to $250 Million for our elite athletes to upgrade the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, which will help “strengthen Australia’s position as a world-leading sporting nation.

“Conversely, in terms of physical activity, Australians are at the bottom of the table internationally.

“While AUSactive is pleased that the government have committed to working with us to develop an appropriate and relevant national physical activity strategy, we are nonetheless disappointed that so little attention and even less funding was allocated in this year’s Budget to encourage Australians to invest in their wellbeing and get more physically active.

“A nation’s wealth can be measured on several scales, but in terms of mental and physical wellbeing, we are doing poorly.

“As the (Federal) Government and particularly Treasury, prepares for the next Federal election, it is crucial that the Treasurer’s words are converted to action with a Budget that can sincerely be labelled a wellbeing budget.”

Treasurer Chalmers also took no action in relation to calls by bodies including the Australian Medical Association and the Australian Dental Association for the Federal budget to include a tax on sugary drinks to reduce obesity and diabetes.