The Australian Capital Territory has a law whose stated main object is to reduce and prevent period poverty. Under the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Act 2023, most of which commenced on 23 December 2023, free period products must be made available at listed public places, on education provider premises and in hospitals for people experiencing period poverty.
Rather than profiling individual period activists, this guide looks at what period activism has become in Australian law and school policy, with three examples: the ACT, Victoria and Queensland.
Quick answer: Access to free period products in Australia depends on where you live. The ACT has a dedicated law covering community places, schools and hospitals; Victoria has supplied free pads and tampons in every government school since Term 3, 2019; and Queensland state schools can register for free period product vending machines.
What does the ACT period products law require?
It sets out duties on government, schools and hospitals, guided by principles of dignity. The Act aims to achieve its object by providing free access to period products, improving access to toilets, handwashing and sanitary waste facilities, and publishing information about menstruation. Key points:
- The Minister must keep a list of suitable places for free products, such as community facilities, health centres and libraries.
- Access arrangements must respect a person's dignity and offer a reasonable range of period products.
- Education providers must make free products available to students experiencing period poverty, and hospitals must do the same for patients and visitors.
- Public employees and people in territory-funded work must have dignified access to toilets, handwashing and sanitary waste facilities at work.
The dignity principles also state that not every person who menstruates identifies as a woman, and that people should be able to get products privately and in a way that avoids humiliation.
Are period products free in Victorian schools?
Yes, in government schools. The Victorian Department of Education says it began providing free period products in every government primary, secondary and specialist school in Term 3, 2019. Its reasoning is practical: access to period products shouldn't stand between students and their education, and limited access can affect participation, concentration, comfort and confidence, and lead to missed school. The department also says the initiative relieves students of stigma, anxiety and discomfort, and eases the cost of living for families.
How do Queensland schools hand out period products?
Through free vending machines at sites that sign up. The Queensland Department of Education has partnered with Share the Dignity to install Dignity Vending Machines in state primary, secondary and special schools, outdoor and environmental education centres, and student residential facilities that register for one. The machines and packs are free to all sites. The machines dispense either a combination pack of 6 tampons and 2 pads or a pad-only pack of 3 pads. The department links the program to attendance, noting that a lack of access to period products may lead to students missing school.
Where could period advocacy go next?
Global health guidance points beyond free dispensers. In its statement on menstrual health and rights, the World Health Organization says some governments have removed taxes on menstrual products or supplied them to people in difficult circumstances, and calls those steps useful but insufficient. It wants schools, workplaces and public institutions to support people to manage menstruation with dignity. The ACT's workplace facilities rule is one local example of that idea. To read more about the cost side, see our article on period poverty.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as period poverty under ACT law?
The ACT Act says a person experiences period poverty if financial, social, cultural or physical circumstances prevent them from accessing, when needed, period products, menstrual hygiene information, toilets, handwashing facilities or sanitary waste facilities. It recognises that economic disadvantage and aspects of identity can combine to make period poverty worse.
Do these school programs include period cups?
The programs described by the Victorian and Queensland education departments supply pads and tampons; neither page mentions period cups, also called menstrual cups. Under the ACT law, access arrangements must provide a reasonable range of period products, but the Act doesn't list specific types. Check with your school or local service about what's stocked.
Can a community organisation offer free products under the ACT law?
Yes, by applying. An entity that provides services to people who are, or are likely to be, experiencing period poverty can apply to have its place added to the suitable places list. The director-general can approve it if the application meets the guidelines and is likely to improve access to period products.
Free dispensers help in the moment; for a reusable choice, the Lunette period cup is made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone and lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Work out your size with the period cup size guide.
General information only, not legal or medical advice. Program details change, so confirm current arrangements with your state or territory education department, and see your GP about any health concerns.
