Free Pads and Tampons at School? Victoria Could Make It Happen In 2019

That is, if Labor is returned to government at next weekend’s election.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Health Minister Jill Hennessy have promised free pads and tampons at all state schools if the government wins re-election next weekend.

The sanitary items would be available in all female, unisex and accessible bathrooms (in government schools) from term three of 2019.

We're announcing this. It's an Australian first. It's the right thing to do. pic.twitter.com/yVoxgBVMZs

— Daniel Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) November 14, 2018

It’s the second best tampon-related news of the year, following the long-awaited axing of the tampon tax last month.

In a statement, Minister Hennessy said the initiative aims to help female students who are missing out on classes due to a lack of available pads and tampons.

"It can create unnecessary stress for students trying to navigate finding a tampon or pad, and that may delay regularly changing them, placing them at greater risk of toxic shock or cervical cancer," she said.

"We want to break down the stigma of menstruation and ensure it does not impact on a student’s ability to be comfortable at school and ready to learn."

Victoria goes to the polls for their state election on Saturday 24 November, where the future of the Andrews government—and this proposal—will be decided.

Header Image: iStock.com/Chatiyanon