All Queensland State Schools to Share the Dignity 

All state schools in Queensland will be given the opportunity to receive a Dignity Vending Machine, which provides free period products to students, thanks to a $13.3 million investment in the upcoming State Budget.

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,” the Premier 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 the announcement builds on the success of the existing partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and Share the Dignity. 

“We made an election commitment in 2020 to partner with Share the Dignity to provide 120 schools with a free Dignity Vending Machine,” Ms 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.

“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.

“I am so thrilled that we are now expanding the program to give all state schools the opportunity to get a Dignity Vending Machine.

“The Department of Education will also cover the ongoing costs of maintenance and stocking.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick said this is yet another way the Queensland Budget will be delivering for Queenslanders.

“The Palaszczuk Government governs for all, wherever you live, whatever your age, and today’s announcement reflects that,” the Treasurer said.

“These Share the Dignity machines have been transformational for the schools that participated in our initial rollout, so we’re really pleased to be extending the program to every school statewide.”

Founder and Managing Director of Share the Dignity, Rochelle Courtenay, welcomed the announcement and said it 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.”

ENDS

Media contacts:

Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875 (Treasurer)

Kate Talbot 0439 803 211 (Minister Grace)