Schools welcome free period products

THE State government’s free tampon and pad program for public schools is complete.

In celebrating the statewide $20.7 million program at Phoenix College on Tuesday, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said it was an election commitment which began in September 2019.

“Every school across Victoria now has access to free tampons and pads,” she said.

“I’m really proud that the Victorian government is the first government to institute this program in Australia.

“I hope that other governments set up and do the same thing.”

The State government’s aim for the project is to supply free sanitary products for girls in public primary, secondary and specialist schools to relieve anxiety and put the focus back on education.

Former teacher and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said she can understand how awkward it could be for a young girl to get their period at school.

“It is about destigmatising periods and saying this is a normal part of life,” she said.

“This is a really positive outcome for young girls and learning in the classroom, encouraging them to stay at school and taking away any feelings of anxiety associated with having their period at school.

“Tampons and pads are no different to toilet paper, they are an important part of everyday life and that’s why the Andrew’s Government is providing these products to all young girls.”

Along with the program, there will be further education aimed towards destigmatising periods embedded into the school curriculum.

Phoenix P-12 assistant principal Deanne Joosten said it’s important to promote and educate about sanitary items and make them accessible for students.

“Being able to empower our young women to take control of their health and wellbeing is such a great initiative,” she said.