Monday, 27 March 2023
Free period products for students at Ocean Reef Senior High School in Joondalup- McGowan Labor Government is delivering on promise to provide free period products for high school students
- All State Government schools with Year 7-12 students can now access free period products
- Improving access to period products will help keep students engaged and in school
The McGowan Labor Government is providing free period products to public high schools in Western Australia including at Ocean Reef Senior High School in the Joondalup electorate.
From Monday 27th March, 220 public high schools have begun to be provided with free period products for students in years 7 to 12 to access.
Schools will receive an initial supply of products by the end of Term 1, with the full implementation of products and dispenser installation taking place during Term 2.
Improving access to period products keeps students engaged in education, improves public health outcomes, and reduces shame and stigma associated with periods.
Earlier this year, our Government also announced we’ll provide period products at TAFE colleges across the State, to further reduce the impact of periods on education.
This is part of the McGowan Labor Government’s commitment to advance gender equality in WA and help improve education outcomes for women and girls.
Comments attributed to Joondalup MLA Emily Hamilton:
“We know that period poverty can be a barrier to education for young people. Over a number of years I have advocated for and supported Share the Dignity, a women’s charity that amongst other things distributes period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support.
“Locally we have seen the installation of Share the Dignity Vending Machines, providing free period products, at a number of locations in the Joondalup electorate, at the Joondalup Health Campus, The Spiers Centre and Edith Cowan University.
“I am so proud that our McGowan Labor Government will now roll out free products at our local high schools and TAFEs.
Comments attributed to Education and Training Minister Tony Buti:
"This is a welcome update following the McGowan Government's commitment to provide access to free period products for secondary students.
"It is important that we do everything we can to prevent barriers from students attending school, and no student should miss out on attending classes because they don't have access to period products.
"We now have a great Australian supplier in Essity, and deliveries begin next week."
Comments attributed to Women's Interests Minister Sue Ellery:
"Having your period should not be a barrier to participating in school.
"Young people are dealing with a range of issues during their high school years and we don't want them to miss opportunities that are crucial for their growth.
"With the rollout now underway, I hope it provides young women with some comfort by ensuring they have access to free period products when they need them."