Women and girls will be able to access free period products in public spaces if Labor wins the state election on November 26, in an effort to tackle cost of living pressures.
On Saturday, November 12, Labor promised to invest $23 million to install 1500 free pad and tampon machines at up to 700 public sites, including public hospitals, courts, TAFEs, public libraries, train stations and major cultural institutions.
“The cost of a pack of tampons is around $5 and that adds up over the course of a woman’s life. This will save women and girls money and prevent them from being caught out without the products they need,” a Labor statement said.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said pads and tampons weren’t a luxury, but a necessity women should have access to wherever they need.
“We’re making them more readily available, and we’re saving women money, too,” he said.
“Having access to pads and tampons during mensuration is about providing basic dignity. It breaks down the taboo and shame of periods and provides women with cost of living relief.”
