A doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in the most remote parts of Australia will have their HELP debt wiped under legislation being introduced by the Albanese Government today.
Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health Emma McBride said:
“The Albanese Government is working to improve health care for people living outside big cities by encouraging more doctors and nurse practitioners to work in rural and remote communities.
“We’re determined to make sure all Australians have access to the care they need, when they need it close to home, and these measures will help us address workforce shortages in our healthcare system.”
The legislation introduces the incentive for doctors and nurse practitioners to live and work in the places that need them the most by wiping or reducing their HECs/HELP debt.
It means that a doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in:
A remote or very remote town for a time period of half the length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped.
A large, medium or small rural town for a time period equal to the whole length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped.
An eligible place for a period of time equivalent to half the time required is eligible to half the applicable debt reduction.
The Government expects this legislation will attract about 850 doctors and nurse practitioners every year.
For nurse practitioners, the legislation will go towards covering a Master’s Degree in Commonwealth supported study, a full fee-paying place, or a combination of both.
Eligible locations are determined by the Modified Monash Model (below) which classifies remoteness. The measures are effective from 1 January 2022. Minister for Education, Jason Clare, said: “Rural and remote Australia is experiencing skills shortages in many key professions. One of these is in doctors and nurse practitioners.
“Zero HECS debt is a great incentive for young graduates to live and work and build their careers in rural and remote communities.”
Whilst the legislation is being introduced and requires the endorsement of Parliament the news of positive action being taken to recognise the challenge of recruiting and retaining primary health care workers in rural and remote communities is timely to address what has become a major issue. The Minister for Health and Aged Care said, “ We are making sure all Australians have access to quality health care, no matter where they live.
“These measures will make country practice a more attractive long-term career option for doctors and nurse practitioners.” The Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP said she was delighted that legislation introduced by the Albanese Government today will help to address the GP shortage facing the South Coast.
"This legislation means that doctors and nurse practitioners will be incentivised to live and work on the South Coast for a substantial amount of time, helping to take pressure of our struggling health system and address workforce shortages. This is great news for the South Coast,” Fiona Phillips said.
“We have been struggling with a GP shortage for far too long, putting our local doctors under real strain and making it harder and more expensive for local people to get primary care when they need it,” she said
The Gilmore MP said local healthcare workers have raised the need to improve incentives for attracting doctors to our towns with her for years, and the Albanese Government has listened.
“Zero HECS debt is a strong incentive for a young graduate to build their career here on the beautiful South Coast."
“Investments in primary health will take pressure off our struggling hospitals, help with the cost of living, and make sure we can get the health care we need, when we need it,” Fiona Phillips said.
The measures are effective from 1 January 2022 once passed by the Parliament.
Above: Fiona Phillips with local owners of Shoalhaven Family Medical Centres
