Veterinary Students Excluded from Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme: AVA’s Call for Inclusion

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has expressed strong discontent regarding the Federal Government’s recent decision to omit veterinary students from the newly launched Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme. This initiative, which provides financial support to students in sectors like teaching, nursing, and social work, has raised significant concerns among those in the veterinary field.

Veterinary students, who are often required to complete up to 52 weeks of placements—many of which occur in rural and regional areas—experience some of the most substantial out-of-pocket expenses among student groups. These costs encompass various necessities such as accommodation, equipment, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and missed income from part-time work.

One veterinary student recounted spending over $6,000 on placements during their final year, an expense that was solely their responsibility due to the lack of government support.

AVA President’s Statement

Dr. Gemma Chuck, President of the AVA, condemned the exclusion of veterinary students, stating that it sends a worrying message about how veterinarians are perceived within rural and regional communities. “Many placements are in areas with workforce shortages and high demand for veterinary services. Veterinary students deserve the same level of support as other essential professionals undertaking placements in these rural areas,” said Dr. Chuck.

Financial Implications and Workforce Crisis

The new Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme offers eligible students $331.65 per week during mandatory placements. However, veterinary science students are notably excluded despite their pivotal role in supporting rural economies, agricultural productivity, and animal health.

“Veterinarians are vital to all of Australia,” Dr. Chuck emphasized. “Urban residents may not realize that rural vet shortages impact them, but these professionals are integral to the supply chain for food security, public health, disease surveillance, biocontainment, biosecurity, and the overall economy. The shortage of veterinarians is a nationwide issue that affects both urban and rural communities.”

A Call to Action

“We are currently facing a veterinary workforce crisis, especially in rural regions. The Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme is a practical initiative that could have provided much-needed assistance, yet once again, our profession has been overlooked,” Dr. Chuck lamented. “For rural veterinary clinics and the communities they serve to prosper, it’s essential that we support the next generation of veterinarians.”

The AVA urges The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, to reconsider this oversight and expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme to include veterinary science students, thereby recognizing the crucial contribution they will make to the future of regional and rural Australia.

Source: AVA