Occupational therapy students will be eligible for the Commonwealth Prac Payment from 1 July 2027, following today's announcement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that the Australian Government will expand the scheme to include 10 additional health professions.

The announcement is a significant step forward for occupational therapy students and the broader allied health sector, recognising the financial pressures many students face while completing mandatory professional placements.

Eligible students will receive up to $338.60 per week during mandatory clinical and professional placements, helping to ease the financial burden of unpaid placements and associated costs such as travel, accommodation and living expenses.

The expansion follows sustained advocacy from Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) and across the allied health sector since the Commonwealth Prac Payment was introduced in 2025. Throughout this time, OTA has consistently highlighted that occupational therapy students are required to complete extensive unpaid placements as part of their qualification, often at considerable personal cost.

Earlier this year, OTA joined Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA), alongside Dr Helen Haines MP and Senator David Pocock, in calling for all allied health students to be included in the scheme. The campaign's petition attracted more than 43,000 signatures before being tabled in Parliament.

OTA thanks every member who contributed to this advocacy, shared their experiences or supported the campaign. This outcome reflects the collective efforts of the occupational therapy profession and our allied health colleagues to ensure students receive greater support during their training.

Reducing the financial barriers associated with mandatory placements will help make occupational therapy more accessible as a career, support students to complete their studies, and contribute to building the skilled workforce Australia needs to meet growing demand for occupational therapy services.