The Student Pantry is a new ASMIRT initiative to help students during clinical placement.
In a 2025 survey of ASMIRT student members, almost 1 in 4 said they have considered dropping out due to financial stress.
Fifteen per cent reported skipping meals during placement because they couldn't afford groceries.
Every bit of support helps. That’s why we’re inviting you to share food with placement students in your workplace. By coming together, we can help students feel supported, nourished and valued while they train to become the next generation of MRPs.
Joining the Student Pantry is easy.
Order a Student Pantry pack, which includes posters, stickers, and an optional cardboard hamper basket to help promote the Pantry in your workplace. Then simply add good (and healthy!) food, including protein-rich snacks, to help fuel students during placement.
Everyone is welcome to contribute. It’s a simple way to share food, positive energy, and show the strength of our amazing MRS community.
From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government has provided a Commonwealth Practice Payment of $331.65 per week to students completing unpaid placements in nursing, midwifery, social work and teaching.
MRS students were not included, despite having one of the highest practical placement hour requirements of any profession. ASMIRT has written to the government to request the inclusion of MRS students, and ASMIRT President Naomi Gibson is personally meeting with Members of Parliament to discuss placement poverty.
This year, 40 per cent of Australians will rely on a radiographer or radiation therapist for a scan or cancer treatment.
Through a national awareness campaign, ASMIRT is bringing the issue of student poverty to the public and calling for action.
Visit our dedicated campaign website and sign the petition to include radiography and radiation therapy students in the government’s practice payment scheme – and help protect the future of patient care.
