South Coast university students are reaping the rewards of the Albanese Labor Government’s Commonwealth Prac Payments.

From July 1, eligible nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students across the country have been paid $331.65 per week while doing their mandatory prac placements as part of their degree.

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips met with social work student Leanne Condie who is completing her placement at Expressive Mind Therapy in Ulladulla.

“It was so great to chat with Leanne and find out how the prac payment is helping her and her family,” she said.

“As a mature aged student at the University of Wollongong, the payment is helping Leanne make ends meet while she completes her placement.

“She said, during her previous placement, she had to juggle other employment, study, prac placement and family life.

“It’s so good to see the people who are training to do such important jobs in our community getting a bit of financial help to get the qualifications they need.”

Acting on the Universities Accord recommendation, the payment helps students with the cost of living and also encourages more people to study nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work.

The payment will provide cost-of-living relief for around 68,000 eligible higher education students and more than 5,000 VET students each year.

Find out more about the Paid Prac Payments here: Commonwealth Prac Payment - Department of Education, Australian Government

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips with UOW student Leanne Condie who is receiving the Federal Government’s Paid Prac Payment.