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From 1 July 2025, more than 73,000 eligible students will get a means tested payment of $319.50 every week while they are on mandatory placements in nursing, midwifery, teaching, and social work. This Commonwealth prac payment will help buffer students from placement poverty and help them complete their courses. This payment acts on the advice of the review into universities called the Universities Accord and our Women’s Economic Equality Taskforce.
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As part of the 2023-24 Budget, the Albanese Government invested $4.2 million in the National Nurse Clinical Placements program, which gives students valuable experience in primary health care nursing – growing their skills and encouraging them to consider a career in primary care.
This will provide an additional 6,000 student placements in primary care settings across the country, including in community health, general practice, Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations and schools.
Currently, placements in primary health are rare despite primary health care nurses making up 25 per cent of the nursing workforce. We need to bolster health services in the community and getting more nurses out there will help.
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What is a nurse practitioner? ... A registered nurse with the experience, expertise and authority to diagnose and treat people of all ages with a variety of acute or chronic health conditions. Nurse practitioners have completed additional university study at master's degree level and are the most senior and independent clinical nurses in our health care system.
From 1 July this year the Albanese Labor Government increased the Medicare rebates for nurse practitioners by 30 per cent and removed the requirement that nurse practitioners have a collaborative arrangement with a doctor before prescribing PBS medicines. In other words, we have de-coupled them from doctors enabling them to work more independently.
Helping our nurses work to the top of their skill and experience level will make care more affordable and accessible, particularly in rural and regional Australia where 30% of nurse practitioners work and play a vital role in the health workforce. This policy reverses norms that have held nurses back.
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The Albanese Government is investing in Australia’s health workforce by upskilling our nation’s nurses and midwives through a new $50.2 million scholarship.
The Primary Care Nursing and Midwifery Scholarship Program will provide 1,850 postgraduate scholarships over four years for registered nurses and midwives to become nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives in primary and aged care settings.
Scholarships range from $15,000 to $30,000. The application deadline for Round 1 is 25 August but we recommend applying early, as available scholarships may run out before the deadline. More information on the program can be found here.
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Over the last few years Australia’s health workers have been put under immense pressure supporting the community through a once in a century pandemic. In a recent survey 7 out of 10 frontline health workers reported symptoms of severe or moderate burnout.
Labor is now delivering on an election commitment by providing $25.2 million for the groundbreaking Nurse and Midwife Health Program Australia. The free and confidential service for nurses, midwives and students will help them better manage and reduce escalating rates of fatigue, stress and burnout. People accessing these services will speak to nurses and midwives who understand their issues and can provide support. This is one step towards retaining our nurses in the workforce.
A telehealth line (1800 001 060) and a website has been set up in this first phase, with nurses able to access advice and referrals when needed.
The next phase is a rollout of four in-person hubs across the country. These services will offer both face-to-face and telehealth services. I will keep you updated on this.
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My pathway into politics was through standing up for healthcare workers. I established Healthcare Workers Australia and campaigned for better work health and safety protections including for better indoor air quality standards. I am pleased to announce that last week was the launch of the Indoor Air Quality Report by the National Science and Technology Council. This report was commissioned by Asst. Minister for Health Ged Kearney and in collaboration with Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, I had the opportunity to launch the report on a webinar. The report is available here.
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Hon. Clare O’Neil Talks Cyber Security in Higgins
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A packed house of Higgins residents heard Hon. Clare O’Neil discuss Cyber Security at Murrumbeena Bowls Club on 25 July.
Tips for staying cyber-secure:
When you receive a suspicious message or call ...
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Two new grants are now open – Thriving Suburbs and Urban Precincts and Partnerships. Together, these programs deliver $500 million of funding opportunities for communities in capital cities and suburbs.
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Thriving Suburbs
Thriving Suburbs is a funding program open to local government and not-for-profit organisations and provides funding between $500,000 and $15 million for community infrastructure – projects like libraries, playing fields and community centres. Applications close 26 August 2024.
You can find Guidelines and additional information on the program here.
Urban Precincts and Partnerships
Urban Precincts and Partnerships is a funding program open to partnerships, bringing together government, business and community. Funding is available for projects which transform urban precincts through precinct planning or the delivery of infrastructure. This program is always open, and projects will be batched regularly for assessment.
You can find Guidelines and additional information on the program here.
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At the opening of Central Park’s newest All Abilities Playground, designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, in March.
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Windsor Community Children’s Centre
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The future of Windsor Community Children’s Centre (WCCC) is at risk and a campaign is currently underway to protect it. The land on which this beloved community-based childcare centre and kindergarten stands is being rezoned and may be sold by the state government. It is one of the few remaining not-for-profit centres in the City of Stonnington. It is a special place where children are nurtured, educated and prepared for their future in a safe and loving environment. Read about the centre here and the campaign here.
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Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre
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Victorians, including Higgins residents, can now access best-practice, holistic and publicly funded cancer care at the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre next to the Alfred Hospital. I had the privilege of touring this facility with my former colleagues and can’t speak highly enough of its quality. World class publicly funded care for all. The Albanese Government is investing $12 million for a Quadra PET/CT molecular scanner – the only one of its kind in Australia for diagnosis, treatment and research. Your GP can refer you to this world-class clinic. Read more about the Centre here.
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Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House
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In late May I attended the Cancer Council Morning Tea at Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House in Malvern East. This was a wonderful occasion for a worthy cause and demonstrated the importance of this community centre for locals. Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House is a not-for-profit organisation which offers low-cost educational, recreational and social activities to the local community. Courses are designed to be inclusive. Read more about Phoenix Park Neighbourhood House here.
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We want to hear from women of all ages young and older alike about their experiences in the health system. We will be discussing progress in reproductive health, mental health and menopause as well as tackling the prickly topic of medical misogyny.
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Date: Wednesday 28 August
Time: 6:30 pm
Address: Suite 1.03/261-271 Wattletree Rd, Malvern 3144
Register here.
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Genuine political representation stems not just from decisions made in Canberra but through active engagement within our community. I welcome your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
Pop into my mobile offices for a chat. See you there!
See all coming Mobile Offices here.
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Warmest wishes till next time,
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