Frustration as student veterans left out of ‘placement poverty’ solution, Commonwealth Prac Payments scheme

Veterinary students are being forced into poverty due to a lack of government support, according to the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

Earlier this month, the federal government announced it would establish the Commonwealth Prac Payment for teaching, nursing and social work students to help manage the costs of compulsory and unpaid placements.

But veterinary students have been left off the list of eligible professions.

Association president Diana Barker said it was “another blow” to an industry already facing a shortage of skilled workers, student debt and high suicide rates.

The announcement came four months after the AVA called on the government to forgive the HECS-HELP debts of 80 students per year at a cost of $19.23 million over four years.

The association also wanted veterinary professionals to be included in existing grant schemes in rural and regional areas, as well as greater support for mental health across the sector.

Dr Barker said the government had not yet responded to her organisation’s submission but expected to wait a while.

“The last I heard was that the education fee relief we were asking for would be reviewed in 2025,” he said.

‘I’m not ready to invest’

The AVA says a veterinary career is one of the most expensive in Australia, but vets are paid around two-thirds less than GPs.

Dr Barker said she could not understand why veterinary students had been overlooked.

“It just shows that the government doesn’t really seem to respect us or see us as essential,” he said.

“They are not prepared to invest in our profession and ensure that it continues.

Education Minister Jason Clare said the University Deal recommended the Commonwealth Prac Payment focus first on teaching, nursing, midwifery, early education and social work students.

“The Commonwealth Prac Payment will give people who have signed up to do some of the most important jobs in this country a little extra help to get the qualifications they need,” he said.

“Placement poverty is a real thing…some students say the practice means they have to quit their part-time job and don’t have the money to pay the bills.”

Clare did not say why veterinary students had been left off the list.

‘Very intense’ part of life

Rural co-ed veterinarian Regan Lynch said the lack of support has led to many students leaving the field without graduating.

“It’s a very intense part of your life and a huge commitment as a young person,” he said.

“A placement year on top of their degree means students have to make decisions not only about where they go, but also (whether) they need to put their degree on hold.

Student veterans are required to complete 52 weeks of internships over the course of their five-year degree, which Lynch said puts financial pressure on students, especially if they were interning away from home or a support network.

“It’s a barrier, because financially we are asking our young students to go into a lot of debt in order to graduate, much less get a job,” he said.

“We know there is a shortage of vets and we are looking to get young professionals back into regional Australia… and placements are a big part of that.”

Limitations ‘a real shame’

The lack of support for students means that many choose not to travel to regional or rural areas of the country, where they would have to cover accommodation, travel and food costs while working unpaid.

Lynch said she was limited to places where she had family or friends to stay with because she couldn’t afford to cover the costs associated with long-term placements.

“For many students, this means they can’t go out and experience a wide variety of clinics and locations because they are limited in where they can go financially,” he said.

“It’s a real shame we can’t make it accessible to many students.