All state schools in the Logan region will have the opportunity to receive a Dignity Vending Machine, which provides free period products to students.
The upcoming state budget plans to put aside $13.3 million for the project.
This announcement builds on the highly successful existing partnership with Queensland based charity Share the Dignity, first announced in 2020.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said access to essential period products should never be a barrier to learning.
“Access to period products and misplaced stigma around periods should never be issues students face at school,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“We want all students to be confident to attend school every day. That’s why I am proud my government is funding Share the Dignity to give all state schools in Queensland the opportunity to receive a free Dignity Vending Machine.
“We know providing access to free period products can make a real difference, especially for students whose families are doing it tough, have unstable accommodation or are fleeing domestic and family violence.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said there was strong demand for the program, with more than 200 schools applying through the initial Expression of Interest.
“Earlier this year we announced the 62 schools that were successful in the first round,” she said.
“I have visited some of the schools that have received their vending machine, and in each case the whole school community is absolutely delighted, and female students are lining up to tell me what a difference it makes.”
Share the Dignity founder Rochelle Courtenay said the announcement would make a real difference to students’ lives across the state.
“I am elated by the news of the expansion of this program, this announcement ensures no Queensland student will be left behind,” Ms Courtenay said.
“It is not just about the access to period products, it is also about the conversation it starts and the free access to our Period Talk education program, which will help reduce the shame and stigma around periods.
“Queensland is going to be way ahead of the rest of Australia and even the world when it comes to ensuring students are well educated about periods.”
