The Victorian government has launched a pioneering initiative to provide free pads and tampons in public places, aiming to address period poverty and improve access to these essential products.
Announced on 14 November 2024, the $23 million free tampon and paid initiative was introduced by Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins, who unveiled the first phase at Melbourne’s State Library. This ambitious project will see 50 dispensers installed across 30 key locations in Melbourne, with a broader statewide rollout set to follow in 2025.
Free period products in Melbourne’s public spaces
- 50 dispensers will be installed across 30 key locations in Melbourne
- A broader statewide rollout is set to follow in 2025
- The new dispensers will be strategically located in a variety of public bathrooms
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
The new dispensers will be strategically located in a variety of public bathrooms, including women’s, gender-neutral, and accessible facilities. The Victorian government’s initiative aims to alleviate cost-of-living pressures while ensuring access to basic necessities for those who menstruate.
Premier Jacinta Allan highlighted the importance of this program, stating, “Pads and tampons are not a luxury – they’re a necessity.” The first phase includes prominent locations such as:
- State Library
- Bendigo Kangan Broadmeadows
- Northern Health Broadmeadows
- Lalor Library
- Coburg Library
- Diamond Valley Library
- Arts Centre
- Immigration Museum
- Melbourne Museum
- Royal Exhibition Building
These Melbourne locations are just the beginning, with the project set to expand to 700 sites across Victoria, covering libraries, hospitals, train stations, courts, and TAFEs.
Supporting accessibility with smart dispensers
The dispensers used in this program are equipped with smart technology that monitors inventory, allowing for timely refills to ensure continuous product availability. Affinity Outdoor, the initiative’s supplier, is managing the rollout, and its all-female management team underscores the project’s focus on inclusivity and women’s empowerment. CEO Michelle Davis expressed pride in working on the program, stating, “We believe access to essential products like pads and tampons should never be a barrier for anyone.”
The Victorian government’s commitment to accessibility reflects a growing recognition of period products as a basic human need rather than a luxury. This builds on its 2020 initiative, which was the first in Australia to introduce free period products in public schools. Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins noted, “Women spend thousands of dollars over their lifetime on these basic necessities – this nation-leading program provides cost-of-living relief while providing the basic dignity they deserve.”
Addressing period poverty in Victoria
Period poverty remains a significant issue, with many Australians facing difficulties in affording sanitary products. Share the Dignity’s Big Bloody Survey found that 64 percent of respondents reported struggling to afford period products. This lack of access often leads to embarrassment, poor hygiene, and even missed school or work days. The new dispensers will offer enough products to last several days, providing critical support for those in need.
The program also holds particular significance for individuals experiencing homelessness. Donna Stolzenberg, CEO of the National Homeless Collective, shared, “Adding lack of access to sanitary items and forcing people to beg for a tampon creates an even greater trauma with added humiliation.”
Looking forward: statewide expansion
The initial rollout phase in Melbourne sets the stage for a broader expansion across Victoria. Once fully implemented, this initiative is expected to make a tangible difference for thousands of people by providing free, convenient access to period products across the state. The Victorian government’s program sets a positive example, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community where access to essential products is a given, not a privilege.
Find out more about the free tampon and pad dispensing program here.
