Get Involved - Parliament

Period Poverty

Published on: August 2024

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-143198

Period Poverty

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (18:32:21):

Tonight I speak about a pressing and sadly often overlooked issue. According to organisations such as Share the Dignity, 22 per cent of Australian women have experienced or will experience period poverty. This means that 22 per cent of Australian women today lack access to or are unable to afford essential sanitary and menstrual hygiene products. This issue is particularly acute among marginalised communities, including those experiencing homelessness or fleeing family and domestic violence. We have all heard horror stories of those who have had to clean themselves in public toilets or use paper towels or pieces of clothing as makeshift pads. This should never be okay. We also know that in the current cost‑of‑living crisis gripping Australia and financial pressures on household budgets are making some women choose between various essential items. In 2024 period products should not be considered luxury items; they are absolute necessities.

A Tough Period

According to a report by Plan International Australia entitled , almost six in ten gen Z and millennial women are finding it more challenging to pay for menstrual health products than they were before the current cost‑of‑living crisis. More than half of gen Z and millennial women are finding it more challenging to pay for menstrual pain management medication and treatment than before the current cost‑of‑living crisis. When asked in which ways difficulties paying for menstrual health products and/or menstrual pain management medication are having an impact on other areas of their life, the main impact was on mental health and wellbeing.

Period poverty is an area where more can always be done. Organisations such as Share the Dignity are doing a fantastic job, but the New South Wales Government and governments across Australia can always do more. I was proud that in early 2023 the previous Liberal-Nationals Government introduced free menstrual hygiene products for all New South Wales students in public schools. However, we can also look to other jurisdictions to see where we can improve and what we can do better. The Australian Capital Territory was the first jurisdiction in Australia to provide free menstrual products in public places, with a staggered rollout across schools, tertiary education institutions, TAFE providers, hospitals and community centres. Similarly, Victoria committed to and provided free pads and tampons in vending machines located in 700 public places across the State, including public hospitals, TAFEs, courthouses, libraries, staffed train stations and major cultural institutions such as the Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria. Similar legislation has been introduced in Scotland, New Zealand, and several States across the United States.

Earlier this year Share the Dignity hosted the Big Bloody Survey 2024 to monitor the changing attitudes to and experiences of periods in Australia. I am sure many members participated. It is the single biggest body of data in the world that captures valuable information and insights into the experiences of people with periods. Share the Dignity has now handed down its report and key findings. With 156,620 respondents, it paints a clear picture of period poverty in Australia. For example, 83 per cent of Indigenous Australians have found it challenging to afford period products. Some 78 per cent of people with a disability found it challenging to buy period products.

Children can get their periods as young as eight years old, but might not be educated about them at school until they are 10. Domestic and family violence, homelessness and unemployment escalate the problem of period poverty. Some 83 per cent of our gender‑diverse participants found it challenging to buy period products. In New South Wales alone, 63 per cent of respondents found it challenging to buy period products. The total dollar figure attributed to missed workdays due to periods is extraordinary, at $9.6 billion per year, clearly showing more work is needed.

I acknowledge the incredible work of the team at Share the Dignity, particularly founder and CEO Rochelle Courtenay. Currently its August Dignity Drive is taking place, in which I know many members in this place participate. While it is hard for people in all communities at the moment, I encourage them to donate wherever they can. We have a long way to go in addressing period poverty, providing adequate education and ensuring that no‑one must choose between purchasing period products or other equally essential items just to get by. I want to see this House do more on this issue, regardless of whether we are facing a cost-of-living crisis. I urge members to take real action to address period poverty in New South Wales.