The Commonwealth is launching a major initiative to financially support university students undertaking practical placements in 10 essential allied health disciplines.
Starting from July next year, qualified students can expect to receive weekly payments of up to $338.60. This initiative is anticipated to cost the government $745 million by the decade’s end.
This development is an extension of an existing program that was rolled out for students in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work over a year ago.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese introduced this initiative at Labor’s 50th National Conference, touting its dual benefits: easing financial pressures on students and bolstering the future healthcare workforce.
During his address at the conference, Albanese not only highlighted the new payment scheme but also made several other significant announcements and took the opportunity to criticize One Nation.
Which students will receive the payments?
They are:
- Clinical psychology
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech pathology
- Paramedicine
- Radiography
- Pharmacy
- Rehabilitation therapies
- Audiology
- Podiatry
The prime minister said it is “surprising” such a scheme doesn’t already exist.
“Paid prac is already making a real difference, it’s helping students with the cost of living while they train and that’s why we’re expanding it,” he said on Thursday.
“This is an investment in our future healthcare workforce. We need more of them, and this will help more Australians get the qualifications our nation needs.”
Albanese outlines party goals
Hundreds of delegates have converged on Adelaide for the three-day conference, which sets out the party’s agenda and policy stances.
Albanese said it was up to Labor to show the difference the government was making to people’s lives, rather than just airing grievances.
“People’s genuine frustrations deserve a practical response, not just an emotional one,” he said.
“You can go a long way in politics, for a long time, by raging against a system that you are part of, without a plan to fix it … that doesn’t build anything.”
Albanese stressed the need to tackle long-term challenges as well as deal with daily issues.
“Our focus remains squarely on helping with the cost of living, on the practical measures that matter to people and make a positive difference to their lives,” he said.
“That is how we demonstrate to Australians that their hard work will pay off.”
Albanese also used the speech to hit out at One Nation, which has polled above Labor in some recent voter surveys.
“All those attention-seeking culture wars imported from overseas, all those trips around the world to talk Australia down, cannot disguise the fact that none of them have anything new or anything positive to offer our country,” he said.
The prime minister also announced the creation of a Fair Work Court aimed at resolving workplace disputes.
While the 50th Labor conference is not expected to be confrontational, several major policy issues will be on the agenda for debate.
Among them will be artificial intelligence protections, gas taxes, gambling reform and the party’s stance on Palestine.
Attendees at the conference will agree on party positions, but it will be up to Labor’s parliamentary team to determine how, and when, measures are implemented.