Tertiary Education and Training

Penfold welcomed the $158.4 million investment to extend payments to ten disciplines, noting the financial hardship students face during mandatory placements. Penfold argued that the expansion should be comprehensive, urging the inclusion of nuclear medicine and veterinary students who are currently excluded. Penfold highlighted issues with eligibility rules, citing a student who did not meet the work requirements to receive the payment. Penfold called for a policy that ensures a student's profession or postcode does not determine their ability to afford a degree.

Comer supported the motion, stating that paid prac removes financial barriers for students in high-demand professions. Comer explained that the payment of $338.60 per week helps cover basic living costs while students undertake practical training. Comer emphasised that this policy supports workforce recruitment in regional areas by reducing travel and accommodation burdens. Comer shared a personal anecdote about the benefits of paid prac for working parents studying nursing.

Joyce raised the issue of mental health in regional areas, citing recent suicides as a tragic circumstance. Joyce argued that greater attention must be paid to deploying psychologists to regional communities to address this scourge. Joyce used the debate to highlight the urgent need for mental health professionals in non-urban settings.