Free vending machines with pads and tampons in public places are being rolled out across Victoria as part of a state government program to improve access and deliver cost-of-living relief for women,
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins today visited the State Library, announcing it as the location for three of the first 50 machines rolling out to public bathrooms, in the first phase of the nation-leading reform.
“Pads and tampons are not a luxury – they’re a necessity. And women and girls should be able to access them whenever and wherever they need them,” Ms Allan said.
In addition to the State Library, Bendigo Kangan Broadmeadows, Northern Health Broadmeadows, Lalor Library, Coburg Library and Diamond Valley Library will be among the first locations to be included.
Sites in the first phase of the rollout also include the Arts Centre, Immigration Museum, Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building.
The $23 million investment will see 50 machines installed at an initial 30 venues across Melbourne, ahead of a statewide rollout next year in a mix of women’s, gender neutral and accessible toilets.
Once complete, the rollout will reach 700 sites including Victorian libraries, courts, hospitals, train stations and TAFEs. Women will be able to get enough products to last them several days.
The 50 test machines are smart machines equipped with technology to monitor inventory updates.
Access to pads and tampons is a basic need, but 64 per cent of respondents in Share the Dignity’s Big Bloody Survey reported struggling to afford period products.
Victoria was the first state in Australia to make pads and tampons available for free in public schools in 2020.
To find more information and stay up to date on new machine locations, go to the Free pads and tampons website.
