RURAL DOCTORS TO SAVE UP TO $70,000 AFTER GOVERNMENT DECISION TO REDUCE HECS-HELP DEBTS
10 November 2022Doctors who live and work in rural and remote parts of Australia could save up to $70,000, and nurses almost $20,000, with legislation introduced today by the Albanese Government which will reduce or wipe their HELP debts.
221011 – RURAL DOCTORS TO SAVE UP TO $70,000 AFTER GOVERNMENT DECISION TO REDUCE HECS-HELP DEBTS
THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2022
Doctors who live and work in rural and remote parts of Australia could save up to $70,000, and nurses almost $20,000, with legislation introduced today by the Albanese Government which will reduce or wipe their HELP debts.
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), Executive Director, Luke Sheehy said the measures will change lives.
“This is a game-changer for some of the most remote parts of the country which are crying out for experts in their field, particularly medicine, and it’s just as crucial for those who have devoted their study and work lives to helping others,” Mr Sheehy said.
ATN’s three medical schools – based at Curtin University, Deakin University and The University of Newcastle – boast more than 1,500 medical students (eight per cent of the sector) and ATN has over 12,000 nursing students (16 per cent of the sector). Doctors working in remote parts of Australia will benefit by up to $70,000 and a full-fee paying nursing practitioner can expect to save up to $20,000.
The Federal Government announced that, a nurse or doctor who lives and works in:
• A remote town for a time period of half the length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped
• A large, medium or small rural town for a time equal to the whole length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped, and,
• An eligible place for a period which is equivalent to half the time required is eligible to half the applicable debt reduction
“Our universities provide world-class preparation to our medical and nursing students and this is the shot in the arm many of them need to decide what their next step will be, and to further their careers,” Mr Sheehy added.
Media Contact (not for publication)
Frank Coletta (Manager, Media and Communications) m: 0468 987 295 e: frank.coletta@atn.edu.au
