Free period products will be offered at all public primary schools in Western Australia (WA), the state government has announced.
It will come into effect at the start of Term 3 in July.
The announcement comes after free period products were rolled out at public high schools across WA last year. They are also available at TAFE colleges across the state.
Free period products in WA
WA’s Minister for Women’s Interests Sue Ellery (pictured above) said the announcement would help to “ensure that having your period is not a barrier for school participation”.
“We know for some students, periods can arrive before they’re of high school age, that’s why we’re expanding the program into public primary schools.”
Schools can order additional period products for their students once initial supplies are exhausted.
Opposition response
WA’s Opposition supports the initiative.
The state’s Shadow Minister for Women’s Interests Mia Davies said “many women and girls” are being forced to go without “expensive” period products amid cost-of-living pressures.
“Attending school is incredibly important and it is vital we continue to remove the barriers that stop girls from accessing education.”
Free period products in Australia
Programs dispensing free period products to public school students have also been rolled out in several other states in recent years, including NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
The measures are aimed at increasing access to period products, supporting school attendance and engagement with community activities.
Free period products have also been made available in public places, such as courts and libraries, in Victoria and the ACT.
