AUSTRALIAN NATUROPATHIC NETWORK
 Serving the community since 1998

GST: Is it time to get ONE VOICE?

After some heavy duty lobbying from a number of representative bodies (good work guys) the Democrats have managed to get a trial period of three years GST-free for Naturopathy, Acupuncture, and Herbalism. This is honest recognition of the demand for these therapies by the public.

However, with this "recognition" comes a greater level of scrutiny. The AMA has predictably made some disparaging comments in the media about the move to GST exemption. It is predictable that the intensity of anti-natural therapies rhetoric will increase. Should this be cause for concern? I think not. The day has not yet dawned when the AMA can comfortably
embrace what was once their own.

What I am concerned about is who is getting our message out there.

There is no doubt that GST exemption is a good thing, but with increased scrutiny who is going to honestly represent Natural Therapists to the government, the media, and the public. There are currently over 40 associations in Australia - which one should the government and the media talk to and more importantly which one will they actually listen to?

Isn't it time to get ONE VOICE??