The country’s largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has welcomed new legislation which will deliver much-needed support payments for student nurses and midwives undertaking mandatory clinical placement training.

The Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024 was introduced into Federal Parliament this morning by Minister for Education, Jason Clare. For the first-time, eligible means-tested undergraduate nursing and midwifery students and diploma of nursing students will be paid $319.50 a week during their mandatory clinical and professional training periods.

Welcoming the Legislation, ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said the payments would better assist students nurses and midwives, struggling with ‘placement poverty’ as they worked toward completing their qualifications.

“We thank Minister Clare and all of our federal politicians who have developed and supported this important legislation, which recognises the significant financial and social challenges that student nurses and midwives continue to face throughout their minimum 800 hours of clinical placements,” Ms Butler said today.

“Placement poverty is a real problem for students, who are finding it increasingly difficult to finish their education, in the midst a cost-of-living crisis. They lose their income from their regular paid jobs, and then need to pay out for a whole range of other costs, such as travel and tolls, finding an affordable rental property close to where they’re training, parking, childcare, uniforms and other clinical tools they need for their practical training.

“We know it’s a huge financial and social burden on them and it has resulted in increasing numbers of students failing to complete their training and walking-away from the profession. That’s why these new payments will greatly support students who need to complete their clinical placements and also encourage a new generation of students into nursing and midwifery at a time of chronic workforce shortages across the country.

“The ANMF and our State and Territory branches have long-been campaigning for financial support for practical placements and we commend the Albanese Government for listening and standing-up for our nursing and midwifery students.”

The payment will be means-tested and available from 1 July, 2025, in addition to any income support a student may also receive.

The ANMF, with over 326,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.

ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne. 

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390