A doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in rural and remote Australia will have their HELP debt wiped under legislation passed today by the Federal Government.
The HELP debt reduction for a doctor or a nurse practitioner will depend on the length of their course of study, and the amount of outstanding HELP debt when they commence providing eligible services in an eligible location, said Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler.
While the amount of benefit will vary, some doctors who live and work in rural and remote parts of Australia could save on average $70,000 and a nurse practitioner could save up to $20,000, the Minister said.
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 half the applicable debt reduction.
The Government expects this legislation will attract about 850 doctors and nurse practitioners every year.
“We are making sure all Australians have access to quality health care, no matter where they live,” said Minister Butler.
“We recognise the challenge of recruiting and retaining primary health care workers in rural and remote communities.
“These measures will make country practice a more attractive long-term career option for doctors and nurse practitioners.”
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.
