Placement Poverty Payment for Students
The Federal Government will provide financial assistance for domestic students undertaking teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work placements.
This new payment will be $319.50 per week during clinical and professional placement periods.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment will be means-tested and available from 1 July 2025 and will be in addition to any income support a student may also receive.
Unfortunately other allied health students, such as occupational therapy students and speech pathology students are not included in the payment at this time.
The Guild has been lobbying for paid placements since 2022.
2022
- Reps Board launched the campaign to end unpaid placements after highlighting the financial burden of unpaid placements on students.
- Made 1st Accord Submission recommending the introduction of paid placements.
- Fought for the NUS to support paid placements campaign.
2023
- Made further submissions highlighting the issue of paid placements.
- Lobbied the University and State and Federal Government to support paid placements.
- Federal and WA budget response highlighting the financial burden of unpaid placements.
2024
- Curtin Guild referenced in Accords panel recommendation for students to be paid on mandatory placements.
- Federal Education Minister announcing students will be paid whilst on mandatory placement.
For more information:
www.education.gov.au
ministers.education.gov.au