What the rules provide
Australia removed the 10 % GST from pads, tampons, cups and period underwear on 1 January 2019, after eighteen years of campaigning. Free provision is a state and territory matter: Victoria was first to supply products in all government schools in 2019–2020, and New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, the Northern Territory and the ACT have since adopted their own schemes, so public schools nationwide now provide them, with universities and councils deciding for themselves. There is no national menstrual leave.
Endometriosis is the field where Australia stands out: the National Action Plan for Endometriosis of 2018 was the first of its kind, followed by a network of endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics opened from 2023 in general practices across the country and expanded since, and by Medicare items for longer gynaecology consultations. Diagnosis still takes years on average; Endometriosis Australia and QENDO support patients.
Absence for disabling periods is personal leave; some public-sector employers, including in Victoria, have introduced reproductive health leave for their staff, without a national rule.
Reusable products are GST-free like disposables; nothing is reimbursed by Medicare.
Key points
| GST | Removed 1 January 2019 |
|---|---|
| Schools | Free products in government schools in every state and territory, Victoria first in 2019 |
| Menstrual leave | None nationally; some public-sector employers |
| Endometriosis | National Action Plan 2018; endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics since 2023; Medicare items for longer consultations |
| Reusable products | GST-free, not reimbursed |
In practice
- Ask the school where the free products are: most schemes stock them in toilets or at the office.
- For pelvic pain, ask your GP whether an endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic operates nearby; they take referrals and self-referrals depending on the site.
- Community organisations such as Share the Dignity supply products to people in need.
What it costs
A cycle costs roughly 5 to 15 dollars in disposables, GST-free. Nothing is reimbursed; Medicare covers consultations and surgery, with gaps in private care.
What has changed recently
The clinic network launched in 2023 has been extended, and Medicare added longer consultation items for endometriosis and pelvic pain; state school schemes now cover the whole country.
Where to find help
- Department of Health: National Action Plan for Endometriosis and clinic list.
- State education departments: period product schemes.
- Endometriosis Australia; QENDO.
- Share the Dignity: products for people in need.
Worth knowing
Free provision applies to government schools; private schools and universities decide for themselves. And the GST removal was worth 10 % — prices vary by more than that between shops.
Frequently asked questions
Is there GST on tampons in Australia?
No, not since 1 January 2019.
Are period products free in schools?
In government schools, yes, in every state and territory under state schemes.
What is an endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic?
A general practice funded under the national plan to assess and manage pelvic pain and endometriosis, with longer appointments; several dozen operate across the country.
Official sources and links
- Department of Health — National Action Plan for Endometriosis — plan and clinic list
- Endometriosis Australia — patient organisation
- Share the Dignity — period products for people in need
- Federal Register of Legislation — Commonwealth law as made and in force
- Services Australia — government services and payments