Daniel Andrews has pledged he will make tampons and pads free if he's re-elected at the state election, and people aren’t too happy about it.
The Victorian Premier announced he would roll out free tampons and female hygiene products so women could save money on period products.
According to Perth Now, the Premier said he would install 1500 free pad and tampon machines in up to 700 public sites at the cost of AUD $23 million (USD $15.5m or £13.09m) if re-elected on November 26.
These public spaces would include courts, TAFEs, public libraries, train stations and cultural institutions, including the State Library of Victoria and the Melbourne Museum.
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SBS News reported that during his announcement Saturday, Mr Andrews said: “They’re a necessity — and women should be able to get them wherever they are.”
However, the news sent some people into a frenzy, with many demanding that other essential items should be made free too.
One person wrote: “So are petrol, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, add shampoo, mouthwash and as highlighted your lockdowns TOILET PAPER! Food is a necessity.. why don’t you make everything free?”
Another shared: “Food is a necessity too. Can that be free also. Cheers.”
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A third commented: “Not sure why they'd make men pay for tampons.”
While another said: “That's fine for chick's but what about the boys, what do we get? We pay the lion's share of taxes so we should be copping a freebie too. Fair's fair.”
What do the boys get? How about a life without cramps while your stomach isn't playing rhythmic gymnastics every month? And don’t even get me started on white couches sir.
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It's hard to argue against a policy that would allow people across the state to be able to access period products without worrying about it breaking the bank.
The move was welcomed by Share Dignity, a charity which provides free female hygiene and sanitation across the state.
Director and Founder of Share Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, told POPSUGAR Australia the announcement was ‘fantastic’ as it would help remove the stigma around period poverty.
She said: “With the rising cost of living, period poverty isn’t limited to those fleeing domestic violence or experiencing homelessness, so many people are living pay cheque to pay cheque and period products are often the first thing to be taken off the shopping list.
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She added that she would like the initiative to be introduced ‘Australia-wide’.
Charisa Bossinakis