Australia's Steps Up for Student Nurses & Midwives | Australia Immigration News

Named the 'Commonwealth Prac Payment', eligible undergraduate nursing and midwifery students, as well as diploma of nursing students, will receive $319.50 per week during their mandatory clinical and professional training periods.

Annie Butler, Federal Secretary of the ANMF, emphasized the significance of these payments, stating they finally acknowledge the financial and social challenges faced by student nurses and midwives during their studies and clinical placements. Registered nursing students, for example, are required to complete a minimum of 800 hours in placements.

The ANMF has long advocated for paid support for students during clinical placements, making this a significant victory for student nurses and midwives.

During placements, students not only lose income from their regular jobs but also incur various other expenses such as travel, accommodation, parking, childcare, and uniforms. These costs place a significant financial and social burden on students, often leading to dropouts.

This new payment will help alleviate these financial strains and provide better support to students needing to complete their clinical placements before beginning their careers. It will also encourage more students to join the nursing and midwifery workforce, supporting them through challenging courses.

The ANMF has been pushing for reforms in clinical placements to tackle workforce retention and recruitment and applauds the Albanese Government for backing future nurses and midwives.

The payment, which will be means-tested, is set to commence on July 1, 2025, and will be provided in addition to any existing income support the student may receive.

With over 326,000 members, the ANMF acts as the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives, and carers in Australia.