Access to free period products will be expanded with dispensers installed across more than 30 ACT public schools as part of a pilot program to end period poverty.
Free period product dispensers will be installed in student-friendly locations in participating ACT public schools, including in girls', gender-neutral and accessible bathrooms. These dispensers will make pads available in primary schools, and pads and tampons in high schools, P–10 schools, and colleges.
There will also be other access points at school, such as wellbeing spaces and classrooms. Period products will continue to be freely available in public school front offices as they have been for some time.
An awareness campaign in schools, consisting of posters and educational materials, will let students know about these changes and will also help to break down unhelpful stigmas that exist about menstruation. To progress the broader rollout across all ACT public schools, the ACT Government will collect feedback from students and staff at participating schools, as well as product usage data.
Minister for Women, Dr. Marisa Paterson MLA, said that the pilot program was part of the Government's commitment to improving gender equity and student wellbeing in the ACT.
"The ACT is leading the nation in the fight to end period poverty. It's unacceptable that menstruation should ever be a barrier to full participation in school life," Minister Paterson said.
"By installing free dispensers in school bathrooms, we ensure students can access period products with dignity and confidence. This means they can focus on their education and extracurricular activities without unnecessary obstacles."
In addition to schools, the pilot program will also include Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital, Community Health Centres and Walk-in Centres. Dispensers in Canberra Health Services locations are expected to be fully operational by the end of August.
"The rollout of this pilot program is a vital step in dismantling the barriers that menstruating people face every day. Access to pads and tampons should never be a privilege; it is a basic necessity," Minister Paterson said.
"By providing free and easy access across schools, hospitals, and health centres, we are not just meeting a need; we are affirming dignity, equality, and the right for everyone to thrive without shame or obstacles."
The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce legislation guaranteeing access to free period products for students, following the passage of the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Act 2023. The new law requires that schools provide these products in a way that upholds students' dignity and privacy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Education and Early Childhood, Yvette Berry:
"Students should have the opportunity to get the most out of their educational experiences and not miss out on important learning. We never want to see students avoiding certain activities because they don't have access to period products, whether that be because they forgot to bring them to school or can't afford to purchase them.
Expanding free period products with new dispensers in over 30 public schools mean that more students can freely and privately access these products. It's a significant step towards the ACT Government's goal to end period poverty in our community."
Quotes attributable to Minister Suzanne Orr MLA:
"The pilot program for free, dignified, and accessible period products and information in schools realises a cause I've championed for several years. Broader school-based access through dispensers ensures no one is held back from learning, working, or living fully because they don't have access to basic essentials.
Period poverty is a stigmatised and deeply impactful issue – I'm proud the ACT continues to lead nationally in responding with empathy, dignity, and practical action.
I am grateful for the many advocates, community members, and education providers who have helped make this progress possible."
