Fair Pay for All Nursing Students on Placement

To the Australian Government and Relevant Ministers,

We, the undersigned, call for urgent action to end the financial hardship faced by nursing students undertaking mandatory unpaid placements.

Currently, students who receive government assistance (e.g., Youth Allowance, Austudy, ABSTUDY) are entitled to paid placement hours, while those who do not qualify for assistance receive no payment. This unfairly disadvantages self-supporting students, many of whom rely on paid employment to cover essential living costs.

This policy is unjust. Many students—like my daughter—must complete unpaid placements while being unable to work, despite having financial responsibilities such as rent, bills, and daily expenses. As full-time working parents with three children—including one at university, one in an apprenticeship, and one in private schooling—we cannot provide the financial support she needs. However, because of our income, she does not qualify for government assistance, leaving her in an impossible situation.

With Australia facing a severe nursing shortage, we must support all nursing students equally by ensuring all placement hours are paid, regardless of Centrelink eligibility.

We demand that the Australian Government implement a universal paid placement model that:

✅ Provides financial relief for all nursing students, allowing them to focus on their education.
✅ Encourages higher retention and graduation rates, helping to address the critical nursing shortage.
✅ Recognises the essential work students perform during placements, as they contribute directly to the healthcare system.

The healthcare system desperately needs more nurses. However, forcing students to complete unpaid placements while restricting their ability to work is creating unnecessary financial hardship and driving future nurses away.

We urge the government to review and amend this unfair policy immediately to ensure fair and equal treatment for all nursing students.

Sign this petition to demand equal financial assistance for ALL nursing students.