Dietitians Australia is calling on the Government to extend the eligibility of the new Commonwealth Prac Payment program announced this week to include allied health and dietetic and nutrition professionals.

“We were heartened to see this Government initiative introduced to support for the costs of unpaid placement work for nurses, teachers and social workers,” Dietitians Australia President Tara Diversi said.

“But we know this challenge is not isolated to these professions, and there is a need to expand this support across the spectrum of health and allied health.

“It is disappointing a number of allied health students, including dietetics and nutrition students have not been included.
“We need to ensure there are incentives, not barriers, for students to choose careers that will benefit the future health and wellbeing of all Australians, including dietetics and nutrition.

“Student dietitians must complete 100 days of placement to qualify for the Accredited Practising Dietitian credential.

“As a credentialled profession, it is of utmost importance that the quality of student placement that includes supervision and competency assessment is not compromised.

“Investing in supporting quality placements allows the public to have a level of comfort in the quality and safety of the profession.

“A recent survey from the Council of Deans of Nutrition and Dietetics has found placement poverty is directly impacting where students are able to attend placements, and limiting their ability to take on rural and remote placements.

“Dietitians Australia urges the Government to invest in the future of the preventive health workforce and revise the program to include support for more professions in need, including nutrition and dietetic students.