Australian Capital Commits $2.8 Million to Roll out Free Period Pads in Public Facilities

Such initiatives have been criticised by US lawmakers questioning the cost of such programs.

Various menstrual products are seen in a file photo. Mike Stewart/AP Photo

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has committed $2.8 million (US$1.89 million) of taxpayers’ money to roll out menstrual products for free to women in Canberra, the country’s capital.

The funding, which is part of the 2023-24 mid-year- budget, came ahead of the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Act 2023.

The policy would see the Labor-Greens government distributing period products to public facilities including schools, hospitals, and government-funded workplaces.

The Act also sought to improve access to toilets, hand washing facilities, and sanitary waste facilities, as well as “providing public information about menstruation and menstrual hygiene.”

Minister for Women Yevette Berry said the initiative aimed to tackle “period poverty,” which could be understood as the lack of access to safe period products, basic sanitation services, and menstrual hygiene education.

She noted that free menstrual products were already available in some public schools, public health services, the Child and Family Centres in Guanahlin, West Belconnen, and Tuggeranong, and the Child Development Service in Holder.

“Period products will be provided in an increasing number of locations over the coming months and years,” she said in a media release on Dec. 19

“We welcome expressions of the interest from community organisations interested in becoming a location where free period products and information will be available in the future.”

The government said it would have a “rigorous and transparent process” to install dispensers in public places.

Regular updates about the availability of period products in different languages will be provided in the upcoming months, as well as the outcome of the process.

The Australian state of Victoria was the first jurisdiction in the country to provide period products in public places in 2022, but the ACT was the first jurisdiction to enshrine the provision of free period products in law.

Labor MP Suzanne Orr, who put forward the bill, applauded the decision and encouraged other states and territories to follow suit so that “no one who menstruates is ever in need.”

“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.

“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.”

She added that free access to period products at schools, hospitals, and walk-in centres is only the first stage of implementation.

“I am eager for the rollout to continue and include other accessible locations, such as libraries and other community hubs.”

The ACT government said it was following in the footsteps of Scotland—the second jurisdiction in the world to put the free provision of female sanitary products into law.

The decision comes amid increasing inflation.

According to an April survey by Plan International Australia of 517 women, 57 percent said they found it more difficult to pay for pads and tampons in 2022 compared to the previous years.

‘Nothing Is Really Free’

But some have criticised the government’s decision to step into this area, calling it a waste of resources and a distraction from real issues.

In 2021, California became the first state in the United States to pass a law requiring colleges to give students with free menstrual products.

“Just wondering, how do these college-aged women afford food and water, deodorant, shampoo, clothing, and iPhones?” said one X (formally Twitter) user. “And, this cost will ultimately be paid by every student as they will just add it to the cost of tuitions. Nothing is really free.”

“How is this gender equality? It’s one gender that has menstruation. One gender that needs supplies. So you’re saying that because men don’t have to pay for this, you’re not equal?” said another X user. “Have you seen the price of men’s razors? Much more expensive than women’s. Life is not equitable.”

In March 2023, Idaho lawmakers, including 10 female Republicans, rejected a bill that would require public schools to provide students with free period pads.

The bill was expected to cost US$435,000 for dispenser installation and about US$300,000 each year to provide period pads for girls in grades six through 12.

Rep. Heather Scott said the bill would turn Idaho “into a bigger nanny state than ever.”

“Why are our schools obsessed with the private parts of our children?” she said, according to AP News. 

She argued that it was “embarrassing not only because of the topic but because of the actual policy itself.”

“So you don’t have to be a woman to understand the absurdity of this policy. And you don’t have to feel that you’re insensitive to not address this.”

“What’s gonna be next?” Mr. Scott added. “We can’t help but sweat. So are the schools now going to be providing deodorant for these kids?”

Meanwhile, state Rep. Barbara Ehardt described the phrases “period poverty” and “menstrual equity” as “woke terms.”