Primary school-aged students will soon be able to access free sanitary napkins and tampons, with the Cook Government extending its provision of period products to children in earlier grades.
Free period products were rolled out to students at 220 high schools and all TAFE colleges from the mid-last year after WA became the last Australian state to pledge to offer the items.
The scheme to supply students from Years 7 to 12 with dispensers containing free period products was estimated to cost $6.4 million over five years.
Under the expanded program, more than 570 primary schools will receive the products during term three.
Evidence has shown that improving access to period products keeps students engaged in education and improves public health outcomes, but costs and stigma associated with menstruation were seen as barriers.
Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery said the program was being expanded into primary schools because periods could arrive for some students before they reached high school.
She said, “The expansion of free period products into public primary schools is important for promoting student health and well-being.”
“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 to school participation.”
Education Minister Tony Buti said it was important to support students.
“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,” he said.
