Petition passes halfway mark as support for prac payment reform grows
Support for expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment to all allied health students continues to surge, with the national petition now nearing 29,000 signatures – placing the campaign well over halfway toward its goal of 50,000 signatures before the Federal Budget.
Momentum continues to build, with growing support across the sector and the wider community. Each new signature adds weight to the call for action on the financial burden of long, unpaid placements.
Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) launched the petition in February 2026, in partnership with Independent Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines MP and ACT Senator David Pocock, calling on the Australian Government to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment to include all allied health students.
Australia continues to face chronic workforce shortages across many allied health disciplines. At the same time, students are required to complete hundreds — and in some cases thousands — of hours of unpaid clinical placement as part of their training. For many, this results in significant financial hardship, often described as “placement poverty,” as students lose income while managing increased costs for rent, travel and food.
Students are feeling the pressure
The rapid growth of the petition reflects what students have been telling us for years: placement poverty is real, and it’s pushing many to breaking point.
“Placement support would mean I can focus on learning, not on whether I can afford fuel or missing rent, and therefore means the difference between scraping by and showing up at my best for patients” - Beth, Podiatry student.
“As a mature-aged, single parent with a mortgage, I cannot afford weeks or months of unpaid work while still covering basic living costs, supporting two school aged children, and household bills. These placements force students to choose between financial survival and completing their degree, creating immense stress and hardship” - Lauren, Exercise and Sports Science student.
These stories are not outliers. They reflect a widespread and growing concern across the allied health sector. Expanding the Prac Payment is a practical, immediate step to reduce financial hardship and support a sustainable future workforce.
Show your support – Add your name and share widely
We’re close, but we need your help to keep the momentum going.
Sign the petition
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Encourage colleagues, friends and family to get involved
Every signature strengthens the call for reform.
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Help us end placement poverty and secure the future of Australia’s allied health workforce.