The health and fitness industry is pushing claiming to deduct the tax for gym memberships to improve the health of Australians.
Physical activity through gym could help to improve 36% diseases, data shows.
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said exercise in gyms, pilates, yoga studios and leisure centres was currently categorised as entertainment.
“Comparing bending an elbow in a pub to bending an elbow with a barbell in a gym in ludicrous,” Elvish said.
“It’s absurd and ironic that a taxpayer can claim a deduction for donations to health-related not-for-profit organisations but not to proactively improve their own health.”
Australia’s exercise and active health body AUSactive has submitted a proposal to the treasurer ahead of the budget for 2024/25.
This could help to achieve longer-term health outcomes and the budget is expected to be handed down on May 14.