The new initiative, it appears, matches a proposed Bill, announced in November 2019 by Labor and SA-Best, seeking to provide dispensing machines, containing sanitary pads and tampons, to be installed within SA's public secondary schools.

Their bold move responded to a report released in 2018 by the Commissioner for Children and Young People which endeavours to seek ways to 'Leave No One Behind'.

Meanwhile, the new grant will be provided to each public school based on the number of female enrolments in year 5 and above, to ensure that access to sanitary products is not a barrier to learning.

According to the state government, the program will cost about $450,000 over three years and will provide a welcome boost to the programs most schools are already offering for students.

Schools that have existing partnerships with charities or local businesses will be able to continue those partnerships in an expanded way.

The SA government highlighted the move after a trial at 15 schools last year, which confirmed that while many schools already provide sanitary products if needed, some students didn't feel comfortable accessing them, potentially putting their attendance at risk.

Trial schools worked with students to determine how they would prefer to access the products, with some opting for a basket or box in a particular bathroom, or a discreet bag and code word for staff.

Chiefly, the funding supports the government's Attendance Strategy, Attendance Matters.

This outlines strategies to improve attendance and achieve higher standards of learning, achievement, health, wellbeing and safety for South Australian children.

Education Minister John Gardner said the investment would assist students who need it most.