‘Placement poverty’ to be tackled in Labor budget with new payments for student teachers and nurses

Nurses working in a hospital ward. The government is establishing a practical payment for 68,000 university students and 5,000 vocational education and training students. Photograph: Carly Earl/The Guardian

Student teachers, nurses, midwives and social workers will receive a $320 weekly payment during their mandatory placements under a new cost-of-living measure in the May budget.

The Albanese government will establish a commonwealth practical payment for 68,000 university students and 5,000 vocational education and training students undertaking mandatory workplace placements as part of their courses.