The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN Universities) welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement of an expansion to the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme, describing it as an important step towards removing financial barriers for more students undertaking mandatory placements.
ATN Universities Chair Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the announcement demonstrated the Government’s commitment to strengthening Australia’s future workforce.
“We commend the Commonwealth Government for recognising that financial barriers should never prevent talented Australians from completing the education and training our communities rely on.”
ATN Universities Executive Director Dr Andy Marks said that the announcement reflects recommendations made in ATN Universities’ Productivity solutions paper: building a stronger, fairer economy for Australia, which called for expanded support across work-integrated learning and student placements.
“Our Productivity solutions paper argues that more accessible placements are critical to strengthening workforce participation and our productivity. This announcement is a strong step, but now it’s time to scale this approach further and continue this momentum.”
“This is exactly the kind of reform ATN Universities has been calling for. Mandatory placements are one of the biggest barriers facing students, especially students from regional, low socioeconomic or other underrepresented backgrounds,” Dr Marks said.
“Supporting students while they complete essential placements is crucial to our healthcare workforce, but also to our economy. Reducing financial barriers for students helps to build a strong and skilled future workforce while ensuring that talented students aren’t locked out because they can’t afford to take the opportunities we have for them.”
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