Major placement payment win for health students
From mid-2027, the Commonwealth Prac Payment will expand to more health students undertaking mandatory placements, including students in physiotherapy, pharmacy, psychology, paramedicine, occupational therapy, speech pathology and other courses across multiple schools in Curtin’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
“Health sciences students are passionate about supporting their communities, but passion does not pay the rent,” Guild Faculty of Health Sciences Representative Zobia Laarayb said.
“Students often lose the income they rely on during full-time placements while facing extra costs for travel, uniforms, checks and accommodation.”
Guild President Dylan Storer said the expansion was a major victory for health students and the broader student movement.
“For too long, students have been expected to complete hundreds of hours of mandatory unpaid work while still paying rent, buying groceries and covering their bills,” Dylan said.
“This is a hard-fought win secured by students and unions who refused to accept placement poverty.”
The Guild acknowledges the Health Students Alliance, Health Services Union, Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, National Union of Students and the thousands of students who fought for this change.
But too many students, including those studying medicine and courses across other faculties, will still miss out.
“This must be the beginning, not the end,” Dylan said.
“We will keep fighting until every student undertaking a mandatory placement is paid a liveable wage.”