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Four Million Australians Struggle With Hygiene Poverty as Victoria Expands Free Pads Scheme

The state’s $23 million investment in vending machines aims to tackle shortages of menstrual supplies revealed by the charity’s findings.

Millions of Australians are still struggling to afford everyday basics, research shows.
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Overview

  • A Good360 survey of 1,000 Australians finds one in five people skip essentials such as soap, toothpaste or deodorant due to cost pressures.
  • Women and adults aged 18–24 report the highest rates of hygiene poverty at about 21% and 30% respectively.
  • Inability to afford basic products is linked to low self-esteem, embarrassment and avoidance of work, school or social events.
  • Victoria’s expanded $23 million free pads and tampons scheme has installed vending machines in public markets, libraries, sporting venues and recreation centres and dispensed 90,000 packs since November 2024.
  • Rising health costs (up 4.1%) and overall household inflation (up 2.1%) are intensifying affordability challenges for low-income Australians.