Make feminine products free in Australia
The issue
Many of us women face a monthly financial burden that is not of our choosing or preference. As a proud Australian woman, I've personally experienced the strain of the so-called "pink tax"—an extra cost on products vital to women, like tampons and sanitary pads. We don't choose to menstruate, nor do we volunteer to incur additional costs simply for being women.
The "pink tax" is a term used to describe the practice where feminine hygiene products are marked up simply because they are marketed towards women. In a society that champions equality, we must question why a bodily function leads to an extra charge. It is time to break this cycle.
Currently, numerous countries, such as Scotland and New Zealand, are taking crucial steps towards offering free or subsidized feminine hygiene products. They have recognized the impact these costs have on women and young girls, leading to improved health outcomes and educational opportunities. Australian women deserve the same consideration and respect.
Not only does this affect individual households financially, but it also perpetuates the inequality we strive to eliminate. According to a 2017 market analysis, Australian women spend approximately $300 per year on sanitary products. This expense often leads to what's known as "period poverty," forcing some women to resort to improvised solutions that can be harmful to their health or to skip work or school altogether.
The path forward is clear. We call upon the Australian government to take action by eliminating the cost of feminine hygiene products, thereby removing this unfair tax and alleviating an unnecessary financial strain. Implementing programs that provide these products for free in schools, universities, and public facilities would be a tangible step towards breaking the barriers that ensure inequality continues.
By signing this petition, you are standing up for fairness, equality, and the well-being of all Australian women. Let us make feminine products free, thus eliminating the pink tax and promoting a more equitable society for all. Please sign and share this petition to bring this vital issue to the forefront of national policy.
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The issue
Many of us women face a monthly financial burden that is not of our choosing or preference. As a proud Australian woman, I've personally experienced the strain of the so-called "pink tax"—an extra cost on products vital to women, like tampons and sanitary pads. We don't choose to menstruate, nor do we volunteer to incur additional costs simply for being women.
The "pink tax" is a term used to describe the practice where feminine hygiene products are marked up simply because they are marketed towards women. In a society that champions equality, we must question why a bodily function leads to an extra charge. It is time to break this cycle.
Currently, numerous countries, such as Scotland and New Zealand, are taking crucial steps towards offering free or subsidized feminine hygiene products. They have recognized the impact these costs have on women and young girls, leading to improved health outcomes and educational opportunities. Australian women deserve the same consideration and respect.
Not only does this affect individual households financially, but it also perpetuates the inequality we strive to eliminate. According to a 2017 market analysis, Australian women spend approximately $300 per year on sanitary products. This expense often leads to what's known as "period poverty," forcing some women to resort to improvised solutions that can be harmful to their health or to skip work or school altogether.
The path forward is clear. We call upon the Australian government to take action by eliminating the cost of feminine hygiene products, thereby removing this unfair tax and alleviating an unnecessary financial strain. Implementing programs that provide these products for free in schools, universities, and public facilities would be a tangible step towards breaking the barriers that ensure inequality continues.
By signing this petition, you are standing up for fairness, equality, and the well-being of all Australian women. Let us make feminine products free, thus eliminating the pink tax and promoting a more equitable society for all. Please sign and share this petition to bring this vital issue to the forefront of national policy.
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Petition created on 5 September 2026