Victorian government to provide free period products at over 20 major public venues

The Victorian government has announced plans to offer free tampons and pads in vending machines at multiple popular venues across the state.

More than 20 major public venues in Melbourne and Greater Victoria will provide free access to period products as part of a $23 million program aiming to bridge the period poverty gap.

Among the venues will be the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne Market, Queen Victoria Market, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Museum and the State Library of Victoria.

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One in five women in the state say they can't afford the pads or tampons they need every month.

Victoria's Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said no woman or girl should ever worry about having access to vital sanitary products.

"We're delivering free pads and tampons in public places right across Victoria, and now we're making it a reality at some of our most iconic venues – saving Victorian families thousands of dollars every year," Hutchins said.

Hutchins announced the expansion of the scheme today alongside the Grand Final-winning Melbourne Vixens at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville, where vending machines have already been installed.

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More than 90,000 free packs have been given to Victorians since the program launched in November last year.

When finished, the government expected 1500 vending machines will be available at 700 sites across Victoria.

A map of the vending machines can be found here.

One Sydney council has also installed vending machines in public bathrooms in a bid to address the ongoing issue of period poverty.

Data released last year by period poverty charity Share the Dignity found 64 per cent of Australian women have found it dificult to buy period products.

A further 30 per cent of those surveyed said they have worn a tampon for more than four hours due to the cost.

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