November 11, 2022
A doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in the most remote parts of Australia will have their HELP debt wiped under legislation introduced into Federal Parliament on Thursday.
The legislation introduces an incentive for doctors and nurses to live and work in the places that need them the most by wiping or reducing their HECs/HELP debt.
It means that a doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in:
- A remote or very remote town for a time period of half the length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped
- A large, medium or small rural town for a time period equal to the whole length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped
- An eligible place for a period of time equivalent to half the time required is eligible to halve the applicable debt reduction
The Federal Government expects the legislation could attract about 850 doctors and nurse practitioners every year to rural and remote areas.
For nurse practitioners, the legislation will go towards covering a Master’s Degree in Federal-supported study, a full fee-paying place, or a combination of both.
Eligible locations are determined by the Modified Monash Model which classifies remoteness.
The measures are effective from January 1, 2022.
“Rural and remote Australia is experiencing skills shortages in many key professions. One of these is in doctors and nurse practitioners,” Education Minister Jason Clare said.
“Zero HECS debt is a great incentive for young graduates to live and work and build their careers in rural and remote communities.”
