Veterinary students denied paid training
Murdoch University’s School of Veterinary Medicine has urged the federal government to include veterinary students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme. The program, recently expanded to ten other health professions, currently excludes veterinary trainees despite their extensive placement requirements and financial pressures. The university argues that inclusion would alleviate student burnout and address regional veterinary workforce shortages.
- ▪The Commonwealth Prac Payment was expanded to include students in ten frontline health professions, but veterinary students were omitted.
- ▪Murdoch University dean Cristy Secombe said veterinary placements can cost up to $1,000 per week, creating financial strain.
- ▪Student Gemima Rahman described the high cost of relocation and long work hours leading to burnout.
- ▪The university contends that adding veterinary students to the scheme would increase regional vet numbers and reduce burnout.
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Murdoch Uni wants vet students included in Commonwealth Prac Payment programKBy Kate ForresterBy Annie BrownABC Great SouthernTopic:Veterinary MedicinePosted Mon 27 Jul 2026 at 11:00amMon 27 Jul 2026 at 11:00amMon 27 Jul 2026 at 11:00amMurdoch University said veterinary students have some of the highest placement requirements of any professional degree. (Supplied: Murdoch University)In short:Western Australia's Murdoch University School of Veterinary Medicine has called for the federal government to consider extending the Commonwealth Prac Payment to veterinary students.The federal Labor government announced it was expanding the program to people training in an additional 10 key frontline health professions.What's next?The dean of Murdoch's vet school says financial pressures are leading…
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