Tertiary Education and Training

Ryan commended the expansion but argued that excluding medical, dentistry, veterinary, nutrition, dietetics, optometry, and osteopathy students was unfair and unsustainable. Ryan cited anecdotes of students facing financial stress, deferring studies, or withdrawing due to the costs of mandatory unpaid placements. The member called on the government to extend paid prac to all care-sector students to ensure equitable support and address workforce shortages across all health disciplines.

Gregg supported the motion, stating that paid prac removes a critical financial barrier that prevents capable young people from completing their qualifications. Gregg argued that unpaid placements disproportionately affect students from regional backgrounds and lower-income families, undermining equity in the education system. The member emphasised that supporting allied health workers is essential for meeting the needs of an ageing population and strengthening Medicare.

Haines welcomed the expansion but insisted the policy was incomplete without including medical, veterinary, and dentistry students. Haines highlighted a petition signed by over 43,000 people and cited data showing significant delays in filling veterinary vacancies in regional areas. The member argued that veterinary students face 52 weeks of mandatory unpaid placement and urged the government to extend support to these professions to address critical workforce shortages.

Cook supported the expansion, describing paid prac as good cost-of-living, education, and health policy. Cook noted that the initiative helps students in Bonner and across Australia manage living costs while completing mandatory training for professions such as paramedicine and physiotherapy. The member argued that removing financial barriers is essential for building a robust health workforce capable of delivering care within Medicare.

Conaghan commended the government for the expansion but urged the inclusion of medical, optometry, dietetics, and veterinary students. Conaghan cited the worsening GP shortage in regional areas and quoted the RACGP president on the financial burden of medical placements. The member also referenced a letter from a pharmacy student highlighting the exclusion of dietetics and optometry students, who face hundreds of hours of unpaid clinical training.