The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) welcomes the commencement of the Australian Government’s Commonwealth Prac Placement Payment, launched today. This initiative will provide vital financial support for midwifery students undertaking mandatory clinical placements, helping to ease the pressures of unpaid placement hours.
Eligible students will receive $331.65 per week to help cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and other expenses associated with their placements. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place and meet both placement hours and income eligibility requirements. Applications open on 1 July 2025 directly through each university’s system.
The NMBA's Midwifery Futures report found that "urgent and coordinated action is required to increase the number of midwifery students by at least 20%" in order to meet Australia's future needs. This long awaited payment is a positive step towards improving equity and access in midwifery education.
The Australian College of Midwives has long advocated for stronger support for students during placements. Chief Midwife Alison Weatherstone said that “financial stress is one of the biggest barriers to completing midwifery education. It is a welcome investment from the Albanese Government to support midwifery students to remain at university and graduate”.
Further information, including detailed eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available on the Department of Education website here.