What’s happening?
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is backing a proposed amendment by Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan to change HELP debt legislation. The amendment seeks to include medical students in the federal prac payment scheme, a move the AMA says is critical to ensuring fairness and addressing ongoing rural doctor shortages.
Why it matters
Currently, medical students must complete 2,000 hours of unpaid clinical placements, often in rural and remote areas, without financial support.
Meanwhile, students in other disciplines, such as nursing and midwifery, receive means-tested prac payments through a scheme introduced in the 2024–25 federal budget.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen called the exclusion of medical students “odd,” adding it unfairly burdens them and discourages participation in rural health programs.
“It really is odd to exclude our medical students from the same financial help other students receive,” Dr McMullen said.
Local Impact
Without financial support, many medical students face mounting travel, accommodation, and living expenses when placed in regional or remote communities. The financial barrier may deter students from rural placements altogether, weakening one of the key strategies used to build a sustainable rural medical workforce.
By the numbers:
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2,000 unpaid hours are currently required for every medical student’s clinical training.
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290,000+ Australians have signed a petition supporting Dr Ryan’s proposed amendment.
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$0 in support is provided to medical students under the current scheme, unlike their nursing and midwifery peers.
Zoom In
Dr McMullen had raised this issue with the Education Minister last year. The AMA maintains that the lack of support sends the wrong message about how Australia values its future doctors — especially those willing to serve in high-need areas.
Zoom Out
With rural and remote areas still facing significant health access issues, extending prac payments is being seen as a practical and urgent step. Addressing financial disincentives could improve both student wellbeing and long-term healthcare outcomes.
What to look for next?
All eyes are now on the federal government’s response to Dr Ryan’s amendment. Its decision will signal whether it’s serious about healthcare equity and investing in Australia’s future medical workforce.