A re-elected Labor Government will provide pads and tampons in every government school – free of charge.
While getting your period is a normal part of life, for female students it can cause inconvenience, frustration and embarrassment – especially if it starts unexpectedly when you’re at school.
Labor believes that tampons and pads are as basic and necessary as toilet paper and soap.
They will provide free sanitary items in all female, unisex and accessible bathrooms at all government schools from term three, 2019.
The Department of Education and Training will work with schools to determine the best method to dispense the items.
This will make Victoria the first state or territory in Australia to ensure every government school student has universal access to free sanitary products.
“Young women and girls at school shouldn’t have to worry about having access to a basic necessity like tampons and pads – and Labor will make sure they don’t have to,” Minister for Health Jill Hennessy said.
“We want to break down the stigma of menstruation and ensure it does not impact on a student’s ability to be comfortable at school and ready to learn.
“This is about giving female students the dignity they deserve, and helping families with the cost of living along the way.”
