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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Benita Kolovos Victorian state correspondent

Victoria rolls out free pads and tampons at public vending machines across Melbourne

An example of a vending machine offering free pads and tampons, which will be rolled out across public places in Victoria
The first vending machines dispensing free pads and tampons to be installed by the state government across Melbourne have touch screens that can track inventory levels in real time. Photograph: Victorian government

Vending machines offering free pads and tampons will begin operating at the State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building, as well as hospitals, libraries and Tafes, as part of an Australian-first government initiative aimed at ending period poverty.

The Victorian premier, Jacinta Allan, will on Thursday announce the first 30 locations where 50 vending machines will be installed as part of the pilot program, which also includes the Melbourne Immigration Museum, three Northern Health campuses, the Royal Women’s hospital in Parkville and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

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