First Nations communities living in remote areas will bewith free period products under a new Federal Government initiative.
The community-led program will help an estimated 12,500 women and girls each year.
The Government says it will help “address period poverty and reduce cost of living pressure” in remote communities.
The program
The program will be run by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), who will work with local communities to distribute products.
Communities will have access to products including pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear.
The Government says making products more accessible will “improve physical and mental health, boost education and employment outcomes.”
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Period poverty
A packet of pads can cost on average $15–$25 in remote areas, compared to an average of $10–$15 in metropolitan areas.
Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney said: “No one should have to choose between paying for menstrual products instead of food, fuel or rent, and no one should have to miss out on daily activities because they have their period.”
Free period products
The announcement follows similar initiatives inin an effort to improve school attendance and engagement with community activities.
The WA Government will begin providing all public primary schools free period products from July. A similar program was rolled out in public high schools in WA last year.
Victoria and the ACT provide pads and tampons in public places, such as courts and libraries.
