From today (1 July, 2025), nursing and midwifery students across Australia can apply for the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP), to assist them with much-needed financial support while undertaking their mandatory clinical training.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) was instrumental in advocating for the CPP, to help eligible students experiencing ‘placement poverty’, struggling to manage the significant financial burden associated with completing their clinical placements, including the loss of regular income and out-of-pocket costs.

ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler welcomed the introduction of the CPP scheme as a ‘positive first step’ in financially supporting nursing and midwifery students, but argued there should be broader eligibility criteria for all students needing to access the payment.

“In a cost of living crisis, placement poverty has been a significant issue for students who lose their income from regular paid jobs while they’re undertaking their training and then have to pay for a whole range of everyday costs,” Ms Butler explained.

“This financial burden has resulted in growing numbers of students failing to complete their qualifications and walking-away from the profession.

“While we welcome the start of the CPP scheme today, we know we need to do more to support nursing and midwifery students through their studies to ensure they have ongoing access to quality education programs, quality clinical placements and training, and sufficient financial assistance to address the increasing challenges they face.”

Under the CPP, benchmarked to the single Austudy rate, eligible students will receive $331.65 a week.

University students (Bachelor and Masters) can apply via their education provider. For students enrolled in a Diploma of Nursing at TAFE or Registered Training Organisation (RTO), the CPP (VET) is being delivered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. 

For more information, go to: https://www.anmf.org.au/media/k2dmhfg4/anmf_commonwealth_prac_payment_faq.pdf

The ANMF, with over 345,000 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