Federal opposition reveals plans to cut student teacher prac payments
Just 24 hours from the federal election, the Coalition’s election costings reveal a $556 million cut to the practicum payment plan for student teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers.
Cost-of-living support payments for student teachers were announced for the first time by the Labor Government in 2024. Our union has long campaigned for the payments to support new teachers and bring an end to ‘placement poverty’ endured by many as they enter the profession.
The proposal by the Liberal National Party opposition to now scrap the payments and replace them with new student loans would be a major blow to teacher recruitment and retention efforts.
At a time of continued teacher shortages, we need government policies that encourage and support more people into the profession – placing greater financial burden on student teachers does the exact opposite.
The Coalition’s plan to force more debt on graduate teachers is another attack on the profession, in what has been a disappointing election campaign for education. This damaging Coalition position should be rejected at tomorrow’s election.
Authorised by Brad Hayes, Independent Education Union of Australia, 3-5 Phipps Close, Deakin, ACT 2600