The Pharmacy Guild of Australia applauds the Government on taking action to reduce placement poverty for students of nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work. The scheme enables students who have compulsory training placements as part of their degree with $311 each week to help cover the costs of living during the placement.
“Pharmacy students are required to complete extensive unpaid placements, often in rural and regional areas, while juggling study and living costs” Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President Professor Trent Twomey, said.
“Many have to continue paying rent at university, short-term rent for their placement and take unpaid leave from part-time university roles”.
“We commend the Government for recognising placement poverty, but this recognition must extend to all healthcare students. Pharmacy students deserve the same support as their peers in nursing and social work.
“Excluding them from this payment is not just unfair—it’s a missed opportunity to support the future of primary healthcare.”
The Guild has long advocated for financial relief for pharmacy students, who often sacrifice paid employment to meet placement requirements. With the profession facing workforce shortages and increasing demands, supporting students is essential to ensuring a sustainable future.
The Guild urges the Government to act and include pharmacy students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme.