6 May 2024
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association (NAPSA) are calling on the Albanese-Labor Government to extend the Commonwealth Prac Payment announced today to include pharmacy students.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment will support students undertaking mandatory practical workplace placements required to graduate from their university degree. It's known as 'placement poverty' because it's like full-time work, but unpaid.
Under the new payment Australians studying to be a teacher, a nurse, a midwife or a social worker will be eligible for a weekly payment $319.50, but pharmacists will miss out.
While the Pharmacy Guild of Australia supports the new initiative, National President Professor Trent Twomey says it should be extended to include the next generation of pharmacists.
"This payment will help many young students across the country, but it's vital that our young pharmacists aren't forgotten," Professor Twomey said.
"Being excluded means additional pressure is placed on a workforce that is already under significant pressure."
NAPSA President Bano Serhan also says that many pharmacy students are experiencing placement poverty.
"During a cost-of-living crisis, pharmacy students are facing extreme placement poverty, and NAPSA continues to hear of students leaving healthcare to support themselves and their families.
"NAPSA and the Guild are calling on the government to fully implement the recommendations of the Universities Accord and the Women's Economic Equality Taskforce and subsidise placements for pharmacy students."
Being excluded means additional pressure is placed on a workforce that is already under significant pressure.
Professor Trent Twomey - National President, Pharmacy Guild of Australia
During a cost-of-living crisis, pharmacy students are facing extreme placement poverty
Bano Serhan - NAPSA President
