Pads and tampons are a necessity, not a luxury.
No one should have to miss out on work, skip class or the sport they love because they can't afford period products.
That's why the Allan Labor Government is continuing to expand access to more women and girls for free.
Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas today announced that the nation-leading program has provided more than 500,000 pads and tampons since it began.
The promise to install 1,500 machines is well on track, with 1,000 now located at 500 sites across all 79 Victorian local government areas - and we are continuing to roll out more machines across the state.
The remaining 500 machines will be installed by the end of 2026.
The Pads and Tampons program is making it easier for the one in five Victorian women and girls who report struggling to afford period products.
This is all about saving women and girls time and money.
The machines are now available in libraries, TAFEs, train stations, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, sports centres and hospitals.
Only Labor offers new solutions to save Victorians time and money.
Under Jess Wilson and the Liberals - there will be only cuts to the services women rely on.
To find a local machine near you, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/free-pads-and-tampons.
As stated by Minister for Women Mary-Anne Thomas
"No woman or girl should be caught without pads and tampons when they need them."
"This is just one way we're helping with the cost of living and making sure women and girls can stay at work, in school and in sport."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Health Kat Theophanous
"Periods are a normal part of life - accessing period products should be just as normal. That's why we're making pads and tampons freely available across Victoria."
