Today, the Federal Government announced the expansion of the scheme to support students doing unpaid placements to a further ten courses. These are: Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; Clinical Psychology; Pharmacy; Podiatry; Speech Pathology; Audiology; Radiography; Rehabilitation Therapies and Paramedicine.
This is a terrific and welcome announcement by the Albanese Government after sustained advocacy by HSU Members and Allied Health students. These students will be eligible for the “Commonwealth Prac Payment” of around $338 a week from 1 July 2027, joining social work, nursing and teaching, who were the first groups under the scheme when it commenced last year.
Advocacy will continue to further broaden the scheme to include all Allied Health Professional students – to avoid placement poverty and help with the significant financial burden faced by students. Allied Health across the board is facing workforce shortages, with demand for the professions forecast to continue to grow. Congratulations to all Members and Student Members who signed the petition and participated in the campaigning over the last three years!
