Education Minister Dr Tony Buti said following the success of the initiative in public schools with students from Years 7 to 12, he’s pleased that all public schools with primary students will soon be able to access free period products.
“It is important we do everything we can to support students while they are at school,” Buti said.
More than 570 public primary schools will be provided with free period products in Term 3 this year as part of the extended program.
“No student should miss out on attending class or feel like they can’t participate in school if they do not have the products they need,” Buti continued.
Period products are a fundamental health necessity, but the cost and associated stigma can mean students do not have access to the items they need while at school.
Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery said for some students, periods can arrive before they’re of high school age, which is why the program is being expanded into public primary schools.
“The expansion of free period products into public primary schools is important for promoting student health and wellbeing,” she said.
“We want all students to be able to reach their full potential, and we want to ensure that having your period is not a barrier for school participation.”
The initiative will improve access to period products and is designed to help keep students engaged in their learning.
All public schools with primary students throughout the State will have access to period products at no cost to the school or students.
Schools will receive an initial supply of products during Term 3, 2024.
As with the secondary program, which has already been rolled out to 220 public schools, orders for additional products can be placed by schools via the online portal, to ensure products are always available for students.
