Queensland Government: Rollout begins for Australian-first pharmacy pilot

The federal government has announced a “Commonwealth Prac Payment,” to help students doing mandatory work placements, including those studying to be a teacher, nurse, midwife or social worker. Details are still being finalised, but the payment will be means-tested and available from July 2025, giving eligible students A$319.50 per week while on placement. Other support payments received by a student will not be affected.

Our summary looks at the latest Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) reports, including the Labour Market Update, Feb-24, the International Labour Market Update, Feb-24, and the Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (REOS), Feb-24, and what it means for Health Sector Recruiters in Australia.

CHO Dr Kerry Chant and NSW Health consult with staff, unions, and local health districts about proposed changes to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health workers. QLD and WA have lifted mandates; VIC mandates all healthcare workers, while SA mandates certain healthcare roles. The review will assess the suitability of the compulsory vaccine program and resource allocation. Lifting the mandate would allow those who had lost their jobs to reapply for job openings.

Croaky Health Media looks into the new Aged Care Act; Australia’s use of Urgent Care Clinics; the RACGP’s new definition of general practice for accreditation purposes; the AAPi’s call for HECS debt relief for rural psychology graduates; the ACRRM’s call to fund a secondary school awareness program and a scholarship scheme to attract regional and remote students to a career in medicine; and new WHO guidance on ethical health worker migration.