Free period products extended to WA TAFE colleges

Students at all Western Australian TAFE colleges will soon have access to free period products, expanding on the McGowan Government's commitment to provide free period products in more than 220 public schools.
  • McGowan Government commits to provide free period products to TAFE students
  • Free pads and tampons will be available via dispensing machines at all Western Australian TAFE campuses
  • Builds on commitment to provide free products in more than 220 public secondary schools 

Students at all Western Australian TAFE colleges will soon have access to free period products, expanding on the McGowan Government's commitment to provide free period products in more than 220 public schools.

The initiative will be rolled out this year at the five Western Australian TAFE colleges; North Metropolitan TAFE, South Metropolitan TAFE, Central Regional TAFE, North Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE.

While products were already available to students at some TAFE campuses, it will now be extended to include all campuses State-wide. Period products are a fundamental health necessity, but the cost and associated stigma means some students do not have access to these essential items.

The 2021 Bloody Big Survey found 48 per cent of the 125,000 respondents had missed a class due to their period.

Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:

"Period products are not a luxury, they are a necessity, so it makes sense that the State Government is supplying them for free in our TAFEs as well as in our schools.

"By making pads and tampons readily available and free in our TAFEs, we are challenging a long-standing stigma and removing a barrier to education, helping to support young women and girls so they can stay focused on their study and reach their full potential.

"This builds on the government's commitment to provide free period products in public schools - having your period should never be a barrier to education."

Minister's office - 6552 6600


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