In a bold move to address period poverty and support cost-of-living relief, the Allan Labor Government has announced the expansion of its free pads and tampons program to include major shopping centres across metropolitan Melbourne.
Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins recently unveiled the next phase of the initiative, confirming that 90 new locations — ranging from community venues to some of the state’s most-visited retail hubs — will soon be equipped with smart, battery-operated vending machines dispensing free period products.
Among the first shopping centres to participate in this rollout are Chadstone, Highpoint, Pacific Werribee, and Westfield Knox. These high-traffic sites are seen as strategic additions to the broader rollout of 1,500 vending machines across up to 700 venues statewide, which already includes libraries, hospitals, TAFEs, staffed train stations, and cultural institutions.
“Period products are a basic necessity – and we’re making sure women and girls can get them for free, when and where they need them,” Minister Hutchins said. “This is about dignity, equality and making sure no one misses out on school, work or community life because of their period.”
The announcement builds on the Government’s existing nation-leading program, which made Victoria the first Australian jurisdiction to provide free period products in all government schools. That initiative, aimed at reducing stigma and absenteeism among students, has already dispensed over 25,000 packs of products in its first six months.
New data and user feedback from pilot machines installed at 30 Melbourne sites, including Sydenham Library, have played a critical role in shaping the expansion strategy. According to the Government, one in five women and girls report difficulty affording period products — an issue that has tangible impacts on physical health, emotional wellbeing, and participation in everyday life.
The program also benefits from private-sector collaboration. Angus Nardi, Chief Executive of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia, welcomed the partnership, stating: “The shopping centre industry is pleased to partner with the Victorian Government in the nation-first initiative to supply free sanitary products in shopping centres.
“Shopping centres play an important role in our communities and through this initiative we are committing to improving access to free sanitary products in accessible places in almost 20 shopping centres across Victoria,” said Nardi.
As cost-of-living pressures remain a major concern across the state, this initiative represents a practical and inclusive approach to supporting women and girls — positioning Victoria as a leader in public health equity and community wellbeing.
A full list of current locations is available and will be updated in real time at freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au.
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