The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has expressed its extreme concern that a Coalition Government under Peter Dutton will slash much-needed financial support for student nurses and midwives.

From July this year, eligible students will receive just over $300 per week while undertaking their mandatory 800 hours of clinical placement training. The ANMF has long-advocated for the support payment, outlining how it will help alleviate ‘placement poverty’ for students who are finding it increasingly difficult to complete their nursing and midwifery qualifications in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis.

ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler said Peter Dutton’s announcement that a Coalition Government if elected, will axe paid prac placements, as well as university-loan debts and fee-free TAFE, will combine to have a devastating impact on the predominantly-female nursing and midwifery workforce.

Ms Butler explained: “We know that placement poverty is a real issue for students who lose income from their regular paid jobs and then have to pay for a whole range of everyday costs, like finding an affordable rental property, parking, tolls, childcare, uniforms and other clinical tools whilst they’re training.

“It’s certainly impacted our ability to build the nursing and midwifery workforce, with students forced to quit their courses and abandon their chosen profession.

“That’s why the Commonwealth prac placement, which will be implemented by the Albanese Government, is so welcome as it will help alleviate the financial burden experienced by students as they complete their essential clinical training – and in turn, will encourage a generation of new students into nursing and midwifery.

“The Government will also be providing university students with 20 % debt relief and fee-free TAFE courses for over 100,000 students, which will also help support our students whilst they’re studying and help build a sustainable workforce now and into the future.

“The ANMF has experienced a Government with Peter Dutton as Health Minister, which didn’t go well for nurses, midwives and care-workers. We’re concerned that a Government led by Peter Dutton wouldn’t be any different. The ANMF has been asking Peter Dutton and the Coalition if they’re supporting nurses and midwives this Election – now we know the answer.

“Our professions can’t risk a Government led by Peter Dutton.”

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