PSA: Free Pads and Tampons Are Now Available to All Victorian Public School Students

What a relief.

If you've ever had to ask someone whether they've got a spare pad or tampon at school, you know how awkward that conversation can be.

Well, for Victorian students, it looks like those somewhat uncomfortable exchanges are going to be totally eliminated.

Over the weekend, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews reminded everyone that all free tampons and sanitary pads are now available in all Victorian government schools.

This will ensure that every public school student in the state has universal access to free sanitary products.

The $20.7 million initiative first commenced in Term 3, 2019 and installed dispensing machines in every government school by the end of Term 2, 2020. The initiative will continue to provide pands and tampons to students until June 2023.

"With everything that's going on, it's easy to miss the little things," Premier Andrews wrote on Facebook.

"This is a small change—but it will make a massive difference. And as we head back to onsite learning, it'll give every student the dignity they deserve."

As reported by SBS back in July, the Victorian government's aim is to reduce the stigma around periods, along with saving families hundreds of dollars every year.

Under the initiative, students will also be able to access information about how to manage their periods. Additionally, it'll hopefully stop students from needing to sit out of sport classes because they've had a surprise period.

Victoria is the first state or territory in Australia to provide free pads and tampons in all government schools.

In June, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also announced a plan to end widespread period poverty by providing free pads and tampons in the country's schools.

Fingers crossed the initiative will be rolled out across other states and territories in Australia as well, considering sanitary items are a basic necessity.