Under the scheme, those seeking period products will have access to different types, and can have them delivered or collected "reasonably easily" and with "reasonable privacy", ABC News reports.
While period poverty has been an issue for ongoing issue around the world, it is one that has been greatly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In May 2020, Plan International released its Periods in a Pandemic report, identifying seven issues related to coronavirus and periods, including supply distributions limiting access, limited access to washing or changing facilities, price increases in sanitary products, lack of access to reliable information and support, access to clean water, disposal management and the stigma associated with menstruation.
“From to Kenya to Nepal, to Australia, Ireland and Cambodia, COVID-19 lockdowns are causing big problems for people who menstruate. Periods don’t stop during a pandemic, but managing them has become a whole lot harder,” Plan International Australia’s CEO Susanne Legena said.
In relation to Australia's period poverty, the report found that 50% of those surveyed found it difficult to access period products amid the pandemic.
“Here in Australia, half those we surveyed said they had trouble finding period products, particularly when panic buying started," Legena said.
"There were also widespread reports that prices have risen and remain higher than usual, with one in five of our survey participants reporting this was the case. We would strongly encourage retailers to ensure that menstrual hygiene products remain affordable during this time, particularly when people are struggling financially."
Up until 2018, period products were still classed as a 'luxury item' in Australia, with the GST applied to them—colloquially referred to as the 'tampon tax'—only axed two years ago, after 18 years of outcry.
