Proving that even the oldest professional occupation in the world can get some equality in today's world, those in the world of prostitution and the like will be able to deduct taxes on items used in the sex industry.

Prostitutes, strippers, and lap dances can now claim tax deductions on condoms, lubricants, gels and other items, according to a fact sheet issued on the Australian Taxation Office's official Web site.

While they cannot claim deductions for fitness classes that keep them in tip-top shape, the tax office ruled they can claim the cost of dance lessons.

"You can claim the cost of replacing or repairing things like equipment, adult novelties and other apparatus used in your work," the office advises, under a section titled "tools of trade."

"This is just another one of our occupational lists that we put together to help people," a taxation office spokesperson said on customary condition of anonymity.