ACT public schools roll out free sanitary items in every bathroom

Students across the Australian Capital Territory’s publi…

Students across the Australian Capital Territory’s public school system can now grab pads and tampons at no cost from dispensers installed in all school bathrooms, with no need to request them from staff. The move, announced on Tuesday, is designed to eliminate the financial and social barriers that can leave some young people without essential menstrual products.

Under the new program, every public school in the ACT—from primary to senior secondary—has been fitted with dispensers stocked with a range of sanitary items, including pads and tampons, in both male and female bathrooms, as well as in unisex and accessible facilities. The initiative removes the awkwardness of having to ask for help, ensuring that no student misses class due to a lack of supplies.

The policy is part of a broader effort to tackle "period poverty," a term used to describe the inability to afford or access menstrual products, which can lead to missed school days and increased anxiety. According to recent surveys, one in five Australian students has struggled to obtain period products at some point, and many have resorted to makeshift solutions.

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said the government

ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said the government hopes the change will normalize menstruation and reduce stigma. "It’s about dignity and equity," she said. "No student should ever feel embarrassed or disadvantaged simply because of their period. This is a practical step to support their wellbeing and participation in learning."

The rollout follows a successful pilot in several schools last year, which saw high usage and positive feedback from students and teachers. The government has allocated ongoing funding for the program, covering restocking and maintenance, and plans to review its impact in 2026.

Advocacy groups have welcomed the move, calling it a model for other states to follow. "This is a simple, effective solution that makes a real difference in young people’s lives," said a spokesperson for the Period Products Access Alliance. "We hope other jurisdictions take note."

With this initiative, the ACT becomes the first

With this initiative, the ACT becomes the first territory to provide free menstrual products in all public schools, setting a new standard for student support across Australia.