Free period product dispensers are set to be installed in 30 ACT public schools.
The dispensers are in addition to period products freely available in public school front offices.
These dispensers will contain pads in primary schools; and pads and tampons in high schools, preschool to year 10 schools, and colleges.
Dispensers will be in student-friendly locations, including in girls’, gender-neutral and accessible bathrooms, the Government said in a statement.
Students can still also access free period products in other parts of the school, such as wellbeing spaces and classrooms.
“The new dispensers ensure every student can access period products with dignity, privacy and confidence,” the Government says.
“This allows them to focus on their education and extracurricular activities.”
The Government said it aims to install dispensers in all ACT public schools.
Feedback from students and staff at participating schools, as well as product usage data, will be collected to inform this rollout, it stated.
The Government has also confirmed it will launch an awareness campaign in schools, with posters and educational materials to tell students about the changes.
“They will also communicate that access to period products is a necessity, not a privilege.”
“It’s hoped this will also help break down unhelpful stigmas about menstruation,” it stated.
The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce legislation that guarantees students free access to period products.
The new law requires that schools provide products in a way that upholds students’ dignity and privacy. This acknowledges that menstruation should not be a barrier to full participation in school life.
“It’s also a significant step towards ending period poverty,” the Government stated.
Beyond schools, dispensers are also installed in the Territory at:
- Canberra Hospital
- University of Canberra Hospital
- Community and health centres
- walk-in centres
- ACT libraries.
Find out more about free period products on the ACT Government website.
