Why did tampons have GST for 18 years?
There is actually a weird explanation for this, aside from THE PATRIARCHY
Health products need to be
specifically designed for people with an illness or disability
Not widely used by people without an illness or disability
OR - the health minster has to decide it SPECIFICALLY.
There are some other rules, but basically, the minister for Health decided that products like condoms could be gst free, but not tampons etc. Because Condoms prevent illness. Yeah. Sure.
That's why women need to be involved in writing tax law.
If you want to read more, check out: Removing GST on feminine hygiene products.