10 November 2022
The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the introduction of legislation to parliament to provide financial relief to doctors and nurses working in regional Australia through the waiving of their HELP debt.
Executive Director of RUN, Alec Webb, said that this legislation could make a significant difference to Australia’s regional communities by increasing the likelihood that regional Australians will be able to receive the level healthcare services delivered in metropolitan Australia.
“We are pleased to see that this legislation provides an incentive for doctors and nurse practitioners to move to or remain in regional, rural or remote Australia where patients need them.
“While 70 per cent of RUN students remain in regional Australia after their studies, there are significantly fewer metropolitan students moving to the regions post-graduation which is why the skills crisis is being felt most in Australia’s regional, rural and remote communities.
“Incentivising doctors and nurse practitioners through the waiving of their HELP debt is an encouraging step by the Albanese Government in ensuring Australia’s regional, remote and rural communities become an increasingly attractive destination for Australia’s medical professionals.”
Contacts:
Mr Alec Webb, Executive Director, 0408 482 736
Website: www.run.edu.au
Twitter: @RegUniNet #RegUnisHelpRegions
Facebook: www.facebook.com/regionaluniversitiesnetwork
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-universities-network