Violence against women is at epidemic levels in our country. Every year we count the numbers and every year they're distressingly high. Last year 53 women were killed, mostly by men known to them. So far this year, 63 women have been brutally murdered, almost six women every single month. Where is the outrage, where is the urgency and where is the change?

“Today’s decision to remove the GST from sanitary products after 18 years is a win for people-powered campaigns,” said Australian Greens Senator, Janet Rice, who introduced a bill to axe the tampon tax that that passed the Senate in June.

“This is a huge win for all Australians who menstruate and shows the power of grassroots  movements when we work together.”

“I’m so pleased that finally, both major parties have listened to the huge groundswell of Australians who knew from the start how sexist and unfair this tax was.”

The Greens have used ATO income statistics to highlight that the Turnbull Government’s tax cuts for high income earners will disproportionately benefit men, and leave women in low- and middle-income jobs at a comparative disadvantage.

“We know that women are much more likely to be on a lower income and the Budget’s disproportionately higher tax handouts to high income earners shows just where this Government prioritises the equality of women,” said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for women.

The Australian Greens will today give notice to introduce a bill to the Senate to repeal the tampon tax.

“After 18 years, it’s time to finally axe this unfair tax so I’m introducing a bill this week to get the job done,” said Senator Janet Rice, the Greens spokesperson for women.

“For too long, successive governments have been happy to let this sexist tax persist. People who menstruate continue to be taxed unfairly every time they go to the chemist or supermarket to buy essential sanitary items.”

The Greens today welcomed Labor’s announcement that they will remove the GST on menstrual hygiene products if they form government after the next election, but want Labor to join the Greens to achieve this reform as soon as possible.

“It’s great to finally see some commitment from Labor, after we’ve campaigned on this for years. This is another example of the Greens leading the policy agenda and Labor following,” said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for women.

The Greens today welcomed Deputy Labor Leader Tanya Plibersek's comments that she wants to see the GST on menstrual hygiene products scrapped and called on Labor and the Coalition to support parliamentary action to axe the 'tampon tax'.

"The Greens are drafting a bill to fix this unfair and discriminatory tax, and we need Labor to get on board and support it," said Senator Janet Rice, Greens spokesperson for women.

"Tampons, pads and sanitary items aren't an optional luxury, so they shouldn't attract GST."

Today’s release of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s report on Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence demonstrates Australia continues to be in the grip of a domestic violence epidemic, and the Greens have called on the Turnbull government to take national leadership and provide the level of resources needed to tackle this crisis.

“This staggering report paints a distressing picture of domestic violence and family violence in this country,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens spokesperson for women.