In another post I wrote about the so-called ‘Pink Tax’. In this post I wanted to talk about an idea I have – for – let’s call it a ‘Purple Tax’.
Today I sent an email today to the Queensland Office of Fair Trading:
“Good morning, I have just a quick query to submit if I may.
Would you please advise if it is legally permissible in Queensland to implement a pricing surcharge that would only apply in the case of self-identified feminists. An example might be the sale of a property (residential real estate) with one advertised price for the general citizenry, and then a different higher price that would apply to feminists. Note that this would not be a gender-based pricing differential as only a small minority of women identify as feminists, plus some males also identify as feminists or strong supporters of feminist ideology.
Thank you, I look forward to receiving your advice in due course.”
They kindly wrote back to advise me that:
“The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) does not administer any legislation that regulates the price of goods and services provided by a business. A business is entitled to charge what they like for a product or service in the spirit of a competitive market. For this reason the OFT is unable to assist.
I hope this information is of assistance to you. However, should you require clarification you may wish to speak to a Customer Service Officer on telephone 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
If you need any further information you may wish to contact the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Kind regards”
<Hmm, where to next? To be continued>
Some potentially relevant sources:
Q & A Payment surcharges (Australia)
General Protections Workbook (Australia)
One for Women – An Australian business that only accepts female customers
Q&As on business, discrimination and equality, by the International Labour Organisation