Commonwealth Prac Payment Program Extended
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Commonwealth Prac Payment Program will be extended to 10 allied health professions from 1 July 2027, a direct result of a national campaign backed by more than 43,000 Australians.
From next year, eligible students studying clinical psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, audiology, radiography, rehabilitation therapies including Rehabilitation Counselling, paramedicine and pharmacy will receive up to $338.60 a week while completing mandatory clinical placements.
The announcement builds on the existing Prac Payment for teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work students, introduced in the 2024-25 Federal budget.
Eligible Professions Clarification
Rehabilitation Therapies include entry-to-practice qualifications leading to a range of professions such as:
- Orthoptics
- Orthotics and prosthetics
- Exercise physiology
- Developmental education
- Rehabilitation counselling (including mental health)
Clinical psychology includes professional pathway courses that lead to professional registration as a Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia.
Radiography includes entry-to-practice qualifications leading to a range of professions such as medical radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology, diagnostic radiography and sonography.