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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-08-21 Daily Xml
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Country Fire Service Period Packs

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (14:35): My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services on the topic of Country Fire Service period packs. Will the minister inform the council about the recently launched CFS period pack initiative?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (14:35): I thank the member for this question and I really appreciate his interest in supporting this initiative. From this month, the South Australian CFS is providing free period products to all members, with over 1,000 packs being provided across vehicles, accommodation rooms and training facilities.

This initiative is about dignity, inclusion and ensuring that every member of our emergency services family feels supported in their role no matter where they are and what they are facing. Vehicle kits will include pads, tampons and disposable bags designed for emergency use and easy storage. Wall-mounted dispensers will be installed at state headquarters, regional headquarters and training facilities, stocked regularly and available to anyone who needs them.

These products are biodegradable, individually wrapped, and designed with the realities of emergency service work in mind, including limited access to waste disposal. Our government knows that being caught without access to period products can be distressing, especially in remote, high-pressure environments like the fireground. That is why these products will be available to all bathroom areas to support all individuals with respect and care.

With 21 per cent of CFS volunteers being women, this initiative ensures that our volunteers and staff can work with confidence knowing that their basic needs are considered and met. Our CFS volunteers tirelessly support their communities and we want to address barriers that can impact their valued contribution. Making these products widely available recognises a basic health need and I am pleased to see a more inclusive environment across this organisation.

It is sometimes small changes that can make a big impact, and this is exactly one of those. I am glad our government is thinking about how to make this a more inclusive workplace. It sends a clear message that no-one should feel embarrassed or excluded just because of their bodily functions.

I commend the CFS and TABOO for their partnership, as well as the work of the member for Reynell, Minister for Women, Katrine Hildyard; the Hon. Connie Bonaros; and the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos, who have obviously advocated strongly in this space. I look forward to seeing this initiative grow and inspire similar actions across other sectors.

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