Palliative Care Australia (PCA) supports calls to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment to include medical and allied health students, following the release of Parliamentary Budget Office costings commissioned by independent MP Dr Helen Haines and independent Senator David Pocock.
The costings indicate the expansion would cost $290 million over the four years of the forward estimates.
PCA National Policy Director Josh Fear said reducing financial hardship during placements is an important step for building the health workforce Australians rely on, including palliative care services.
"Palliative care is delivered by multidisciplinary teams, and we need a strong pipeline of medical and allied health professionals to meet community need," Mr Fear said.
"When students are required to complete unpaid placements, it can force real financial stress and it can put completion of training at risk.
"Expanding the Prac Payment to medical and allied health students is a practical, achievable reform that supports equity and strengthens the workforce, particularly in rural and regional areas."
The Commonwealth Prac Payment commenced on 1 July 2025 for nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students, and Dr Haines and Senator Pocock are urging the payment be expanded in line with the Universities Accord Final Report.
Their announcement coincides with survey data from the Health Students Alliance showing 42 per cent of students went hungry while on placement.
Palliative Care Australia calls on the Australian Government to expand the Prac Payment to medical and allied health students so placements do not become a barrier to qualifying, and ultimately so patients and families can access timely care when they need it.
About us:
Palliative Care Australia is the national peak body for palliative care.
