Victoria’s Government has announced it will make pads and tampons free in public places.
Victoria was the first jurisdiction to make pads and tampons free in public schools. Now, the products will be available free-of-charge from vending machines.
The initiative will begin in several Melbourne locations including local libraries and hospitals, before a statewide rollout next year.
Free pads and tampons in Victoria
The State Government said 50 vending machines will be installed in women’s, gender-neutral, and accessible public bathrooms across 30 Melbourne locations.
The initiative will then be expanded to 700 sites next year, with machines to be installed at Victorian train stations, libraries, hospitals, courts, and TAFEs.
The Victorian Government is working with a company called Affinity Outdoor to supply the products.
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Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said pads and tampons are “a necessity,” and should be accessible “whenever and wherever”.
The state’s Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said the program “provides cost-of-living relief for women while providing them the basic dignity they deserve.”
CEO of Affinity Outdoor Michelle Davis said the initiative is “an important step towards achieving equity in our community.”
