Free period products will become available at more public locations across the ACT, the local government announced.
In the 2023/24 mid- year budget, the ACT Government committed $2.8 million to make free period products more accessible for Canberrans.
Free period products are now available in the Child and Family Centres in Gungahlin, West Belconnen, and Tuggeranong, and the Child Development Service in Holder.
Students in ACT public schools can also access free pads and tampons.
The government will roll out the program in stages, and undertake a rigorous and transparent procurement process for dispensers to be installed in public places.
Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Women, said this was an important initiative to reduce period poverty and help ‘people who menstruate’ (otherwise known as ‘women’) to manage their periods in a safe and healthy way.
“Period products are a right, not a luxury item,” Ms Berry said.
“Over the coming months we will be providing regular updates about the availability of free period products, age-appropriate information in languages other than English, and the outcome of the tender process.
“Period products will be provided in an increasing number of locations over the coming months and years.
“We welcome expressions of interest from community organisations interested in becoming a location where free period products and information will be available in the future.”
Suzanne Orr, Member for Yerrabi, said she was excited to see the ACT tackle period poverty and be the first to do so through law. Earlier this year, the Legislative Assembly passed her bill requiring the ACT Government to provide period products free of charge at designated points.
“I am pleased that here in the ACT we are providing period products free of charge and ensure that crucial information on menstrual hygiene is available to the community,” Ms Orr said.
“The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to put the provision of period products into law, and I would encourage all other states and territories to be inspired by my bill so that no one who menstruates is ever in need.
“While it is great to see that period products will be freely available at schools, hospitals, and walk-in centres as part of the first stage of implementation, I am eager for the roll out to continue and include other accessible locations, such as libraries and other community hubs.
“We still have more to do to help tackle period poverty in the community, but I am proud of this important first milestone, and look forward to continuing advocating for this issue in the future.”
Victoria provided access to free menstrual products in public locations as a policy initiative in 2022, but the ACT is the first Australian jurisdiction to enshrine the provision of free period products in law.
“The ACT follows Scotland as only the second jurisdiction in the world to enshrine free period products in law, aiming to eradicate period poverty and provide the dignity that people who menstruate deserve,” Ms Berry said.
