National petition shows strong public demand for expanded Prac Payment
More than 43,000 Australians have backed the call to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment to all allied health and medical students.
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) joined Independent Federal MP Dr Helen Haines and Independent Senator for the ACT David Pocock today to call on the Labour government to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment program.
Later today, both parliamentarians will table a petition in Parliament following a national campaign calling for financial support for students undertaking mandatory unpaid placements.
AHPA Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Morris-Donovan said expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment is a practical and immediate step the Australian Government can take to help secure the future allied health workforce.
“More than 43,000 Australians have backed this petition – a clear message that expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment to allied health students is urgent, necessary, and strongly supported by the community.”
“With more than half the allied health professions in national shortage, expanding the Prac Payment should be an easy choice for government to address workforce gaps and ensure consumers can continue to access the services they rely on across our health, disability and aged care systems.”
“Students should not have to choose between completing their degree and keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. Too many students face significant barriers to completing their studies, especially those from rural and regional areas, mature‑age students with caring responsibilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, or those with limited financial means.”
“Expanding eligibility for the Prac Payment program will increase equity and create a more diverse future allied health workforce.”
“We thank the many Australians who have signed the petition and the parliamentarians standing with students and the sector today. The strength of this petition gives the government a clear mandate to extend access to financial support and ensure every student can complete their training without facing placement poverty,” Morris-Donovan said.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment currently supports eligible teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students. Extending eligibility to include all allied health and medical students will reduce placement poverty and support a sustainable health workforce.
For further information: communications@ahpa.com.au