8 July 2025

ASMIRT has received and is reviewing 161 applications for its 90 Student Support Grants, with nearly half received in the first week alone.

The $500 payment is aimed at alleviating some of the financial pressure final year students undertaking clinical placement experience. ASMIRT will notify students of the outcome in coming weeks.

The ASMIRT Board established the grant earlier this year, after MRS students were left out of the Federal Government's student support scheme. The Commonwealth Practice Payment, which came into effect on 1 July, provides a weekly payment of $331 to eligible students undertaking a mandatory placement in teaching, nursing, midwifery or social work.

MRS students have reported living in their cars and getting burnt out working weekends and evenings while on placement. They say it is the only way they can afford to complete clinical training.

ASMIRT President Naomi Gibson has been advocating frequently and vigorously for students in meetings with members of parliament. She says ASMIRT will continue to advocate on this issue until MRS students can access government support.