The ACT Government remains committed to free period products for Canberrans.
In the 2023/24 mid- year budget, the ACT Government committed $2.8m to support the roll out of free period products, ahead of the start of the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Act 2023.
The ACT Government will deliver the project in stages so a rigorous and transparent procurement process for dispensers to be installed in public places can be undertaken.
Minister for Women Yvette Berry said this is an important initiative to reduce period poverty in and help people who menstruate to manage their periods in a safe and healthy way.
“Students in ACT public schools and some ACT public health services can already access free period products,” Minister Berry said.
“Free period products are also already available in the Child and Family Centres located in Gungahlin, West Belconnen and Tuggeranong and the Child Development Service in Holder.
“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, is excited to see the ACT tackle period poverty and the first to do so through law.
“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 libraires 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.
