Doctors and nurse practitioners have been promised to have their university debts wiped out if they agree to live and work in some of the most remote parts of Australia.
Announced by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, the debt forgiveness program is aimed at incentivising the health professionals to work in the places that need them the most by wiping or reducing their Higher Education Contribution Scheme debt (HECS) or Higher Education Loan Program debt (HELP).
“We recognise the challenge of recruiting and retaining primary health care workers in rural and remote communities,” Mr Butler said.
“These measures will make country practice a more attractive long-term career option for doctors and nurse practitioners.”
He said that under the plan, a doctor or nurse practitioner who worked in a remote area for a time period half as long as their qualification would have their entire HELP debt wiped.
Mr Butler said doctors and nurse practitioners in rural towns could have their entire HELP debt wiped if they worked for a time period equal to the whole length of their course.
“An eligible place for a period of time equivalent to half the time required is eligible to half the applicable debt reduction,” the Minister said.
“Government expects this legislation will attract about 850 doctors and nurse practitioners every year,” he said.
“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.”
Mr Butler said the incentive had been backdated to 1 January this year and eligible locations would be determined by the Modified Monash Model – which classified remoteness.
Information about the Modified Monash Model can be accessed at this PS News link.
