Essential service students on mandatory placement can now receive financial support
Yesterday, the Federal Government implemented the Commonwealth Prac Payment, a weekly payment available to students of nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work on mandatory placement.
While many celebrate the legislation, there are some criticisms that the policy falls short. Students from fields such as medicine, psychology, physiotherapy and paramedicine are set to receive no help from the government, despite also being required to complete placements.
The payment is means tested and totals $331 a week, which breaks down to roughly $8 dollars an hour.
While this amount may be just sufficient to cover basic costs, it does not provide compensation for not being able to work. Associate Professor at University of Wollongong Kelly Lambert is also concerned that the payment is not enough to cover the additional costs associated with undertaking a regional and rural placement, suggesting the policy will be ineffective in solving the shortage of health and social services outside of urban areas.