That ICPA (Aust) advocate for the Federal Government to increase the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to reflect the current cost of living and the additional expenses incurred by rural and remote students undertaking mandatory placements as part of their tertiary studies.
The Commonwealth Prac Payment provides financial support to eligible students undertaking mandatory placements in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work. While this payment is welcomed, the current rate does not adequately reflect the cost of living or the financial pressures faced by students undertaking compulsory placements.
Many placements extend for six weeks or longer, during which time students are often unable to undertake paid employment due to the full-time nature of their placement commitments. This loss of income can place significant financial strain on students who must continue to meet everyday living expenses while receiving limited financial support.
For students from rural and remote areas, the cost of fuel and travel associated with attending placements can add a further financial burden. Combined with increasing costs for accommodation, food, utilities and other essential expenses, the current payment is insufficient to offset the financial impact of undertaking mandatory placements.
Increasing the CPP to better align with the current cost of living would provide meaningful support to students completing compulsory placements and ensure that financial pressures do not become a barrier to successfully completing their studies and entering the workforce.
