The ACT will be the first jurisdiction in Australia to pass legislation requiring the ACT Government to provide period products free of charge at designated and accessible places across the ACT.
As part of the bill, the ACT Government will also ensure information on menstrual hygiene is publicly available thanks to the Period Products and Facilities (Access) Bill introduced by Suzanne Orr MLA.
Ms Orr is excited for the ACT to be the first jurisdiction in Australia to pass this legislation and encourages other states and territories to follow.
“I am pleased that here in the ACT we are the first government to provide period products free of charge and ensure that crucial information on menstrual hygiene is available to the community. The ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to pass this nation leading reform, and I would encourage all other states and territories to be inspired by my bill so that no one who menstruates is ever in need,” says Ms Orr.
Ms Orr says a key focus of the bill was to help address the stigma associated with periods in the ACT, due to varying cultural differences and beliefs towards people who menstruate.
“Periods are a normal bodily function, yet they are still heavily stigmatised in society, resulting in people being uncomfortable to talk about periods. Asking friends when you need a tampon or asking a boss for time off because of period pain, are common actions often associated with nervousness because of stigma.”
“It shouldn’t be this way, no one should be ostracised because they do not have access to the products, facilities and understanding they need to respond to a normal bodily function.”
“Canberra is rich with different cultures, which can lead to varying views on menstruation with it often being a ‘taboo’ topic. Access to menstruation hygiene is vital for the community due to these cultural differences and will be available in many languages,” says Ms Orr.
According to Share the Dignity’s Period Pride Report - ‘Bloody Big Survey’, 15% of respondents in the ACT have been unable to afford period products at some point in their life.
An exposure draft bill was released in December 2021, followed by the bill being introduced to the Assembly in August 2022, and now passing as legislation on the 7th June 2023.
Rochelle Courtenay, Founder and Managing Director of Share the Dignity recognises the significance of this bill and would like to see our jurisdictions implement similar legislation.
“After working tirelessly to end period poverty in Australia for the last 8 years, it is incredible to see this bill, the first of its kind in Australia, be passed in the ACT. No one should have to make do with toilet paper, socks or newspaper for their period and this legislation will ensure women, girls and those who menstruate won’t have to. I hope to see more states and territories follow in the ACT’s footsteps so we can ensure menstrual equity for all menstruating Australians.”, says Ms Courtenay.
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