The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement that paid placement support will be extended to pharmacy and allied health students, describing it as a landmark investment in Australia’s future health workforce.
The decision addresses a long-standing inequity that has seen pharmacy and allied health students complete hundreds of hours of mandatory unpaid placements while balancing study, work and rising living costs.
“By making this commitment a centrepiece of his address to the ALP National Conference, Prime Minister Albanese has demonstrated a clear understanding that investing in students today is essential to securing Australia’s next generation of healthcare professionals,” Professor Twomey said.
“For too long, pharmacy students have been expected to complete mandatory placements while carrying significant financial pressures. This reform acknowledges that challenge and helps ensure talented students can focus on becoming the healthcare professionals Australia needs.”
“Many students have been forced to take unpaid leave from work, pay for accommodation away from home and absorb significant travel expenses simply to meet the requirements of their degree.”
The Guild has consistently called for pharmacy students to be included in paid placement arrangements, noting that placement poverty has become an increasing challenge for students, particularly those from regional, rural and lower-income backgrounds.
The 2026 National Placement Poverty Survey* found 82% of surveyed students required financial aid during placement; 78% struggled to pay bills; 81% took unpaid leave and 42% reported to going hungry.
Professor Twomey said the announcement would strengthen the future pharmacy workforce and improve access to healthcare for communities across Australia.
“Australia is asking more of pharmacists than ever before. Whether it’s delivering vaccinations, managing chronic conditions or providing new prescribing services, we need a strong pipeline of highly trained graduates ready to serve their communities.
“Supporting students through their mandatory placements is an investment in the future of primary healthcare.
“This announcement means talented students will be better able to focus on learning and developing their clinical skills, rather than worrying about how they will pay rent or afford groceries.”
The Guild acknowledged the advocacy efforts of pharmacy students and the broader allied health sector, including the Health Students Alliance and the National Australian Pharmacy Students Alliance (NAPSA) which worked tirelessly to highlight the impacts of placement poverty on students undertaking pharmacy and allied health degrees.
“The students who led this campaign should be proud,” Professor Twomey said.
“They have shared their experiences with honesty and courage, and today’s announcement reflects the strength of that advocacy.
“By supporting pharmacy and allied health students today, we are helping ensure all Australians can continue to access the healthcare professionals they will rely on tomorrow.”
