Published 16 October 2024, revised 17 October 2024
An amendment has been made to the recently passed Universities Accord (National Student Ombudsman) Bill 2024. Thanks to Dr Helen Haines, the Bill will include a statutory review clause to commission a review of the paid prac system within three years, requiring the government to consider expanding prac payments to other areas of key skills shortages, including allied health.
Dr Haines said allied health professionals are ‘vital to our healthcare system,’ as they ‘provide life-changing services.’ Dr Haines reinforced that she would continue to push for better paid prac placements, and that the review clause will hold any future government accountable to ensure payments are as effective as possible for the students they assist, the communities who desperately need the working professionals.
AHPA thanks Dr Haines for her advocacy efforts and communications with us and several of our members regarding this issue.