The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the Government’s announcement of a $158 million expansion to the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme, which will now extend to students studying in key allied health disciplines.
RUN’s Chief Executive Officer, Alec Webb said that the expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme will support more students towards better study outcomes, while also helping to address workforce skills gaps in the regions.
“Today’s announcement is a practical and logical extension of the existing scheme and will provides welcome relief for students undertaking practicum placements.
“Regional students who need to undertake mandatory placements can be disadvantaged by a tyranny of distance and often must travel and accommodate themselves away from their home to complete their degree.
“Regional universities train high-quality graduates with in-demand, industry-ready skillsets.
“Over 70 per cent of regional graduates remain in the regions after their studies, yet regional Australia continues to face skill shortages.
“The expansion of the scheme will assist in ensuring that more regional students will not be locked out from completing their degrees due to placement poverty,” said Mr Webb.
Regional universities will continue to engage with the Government to ensure that additional students impacted by placement poverty are able to complete their studies, as well as work with Government to ensure the administrative burden of the program is lessened on students and universities alike.
For media enquiries: Alec Webb, Chief Executive Officer, 0408 482 736
