La Trobe University has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that Commonwealth Prac Payments will be expanded to students undertaking mandatory placements in allied health, pharmacy and clinical psychology degrees.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the expansion was an important step in reducing financial barriers for students and helping address critical workforce shortages.
“Our social work, teaching and nursing and midwifery students have told us the Prac Payments initiative introduced last year by the Commonwealth Government is making a real difference while they undertake mandatory unpaid placements, and we warmly welcome today’s announcement from the Prime Minister,” Professor Farrell said.
“By extending this support to allied health, pharmacy and clinical psychology students, the Government is helping ensure talented people are not discouraged from entering professions Australia urgently needs.
“This is both an important equity measure for students and a smart investment in Australia’s future health workforce.”
Professor Farrell said La Trobe was strongly placed to support the next generation of health professionals, with leading programs in allied health, pharmacy and psychology, a strong focus on practice-based learning and major investments in facilities across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“La Trobe is committed to helping solve Australia’s health workforce challenges, particularly in areas of growing demand across allied health, pharmacy and mental health services,” Professor Farrell said.
“Our recently opened $82 million La Trobe Health Clinic in Bundoora demonstrates that commitment, providing affordable community healthcare while giving students supervised, real-world clinical experience.
“Together with our broader $170 million investment in health innovation across Victoria, La Trobe is preparing more work-ready graduates to support communities where they are needed most.”
