More health students to receive paid prac support

Thousands of allied health students will become eligible for paid placement support under a major expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment announced by the Federal Government.

From 1 July next year, eligible students studying clinical psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, paramedicine, radiography, pharmacy, rehabilitation therapies, audiology and podiatry will be able to access the payment while undertaking mandatory placements.

The payment, which currently applies to eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students, provides $338.60 per week during clinical and professional placement periods.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the expansion at the Australian Labor Party national conference in Adelaide, describing it as support for both students and the future health workforce.

“We will expand Paid Prac to physio and occupational therapy, clinical psychology, pharmacy and podiatry, speech pathology, audiology, radiography, rehab therapies, and our future paramedics,” Mr Albanese said.

“Real help with the cost of living for tens of thousands of Australians.

“And a real investment in the health care workers of tomorrow.”

The Government says the expansion will help students manage the financial pressures associated with unpaid placements, which often require reduced work hours, relocation costs and extended periods away from home.

Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the measure would help address health workforce needs while supporting students through their training.

“The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening Medicare by growing the health workforce Australians need,” Mr Butler said.

“Training a domestic health workforce is crucial to ensuring every Australian can access quality health care where and when they need it.”

Labor anticipates that the payment will be particularly important for students undertaking regional and remote placements, where travel, accommodation and relocation costs can create barriers to completing practical training.

“Paid prac is working, that’s why we’re expanding it,” Education Minister Jason Clare said.

“This will help more students finish their qualifications and move into the jobs the country needs.”

The announcement was welcomed by the 2050 Alliance, a group of nine Australian universities.

Alliance chair Distinguished Professor George Williams said additional support was needed to encourage students into health professions.

“It is critical that we encourage and support more Australians to study in allied health fields, to ensure that we will have the skilled workforce to meet future demand in our society and economy,” he said.

“The paid prac scheme helps students to deal with issues of placement poverty and to stay in study.”

Speech pathology student Trista Kopeshke, who relocated from Ingham to Townsville to study at James Cook University, said the additional support would ease financial pressures during placements.

“Knowing we will have this financial support while on placement is a huge relief for thousands of students,” Ms Kopeshke said.

“It also means that when we have to take time off work, we are still receiving an income to support ourselves – and for some, their families as well.”

The change will kick in from July 1 next year.