General News
6 August, 2026
Student model ‘must recognise reality of rural training’
PAID practical work placements for undergraduate pschology students has been welcomed as an important first step to investment in the profession’s future.
PAID practical work placements for undergraduate pschology students has been welcomed as an important first step to investment in the profession’s future.
The Federal Government last week said psychology students will receive financial support while on placements.
Australian Association of Psychologists board director and Boort counselling psychologist Naomi Malone said recognition that students could not afford to work full-time for months without pay was long overdue.
“But if we are serious about addressing Australia’s mental health workforce crisis, we cannot stop there,” she said.
“Rural and regional students continue to face barriers that many metropolitan students simply don’t. Placements often require them to travel hundreds of kilometres, pay for temporary accommodation, leave their families, jobs and support networks for extended periods, and absorb costs that quickly become overwhelming.
“At the very same time, many rural communities are desperately searching for placement providers and future psychologists, yet struggle to attract and retain both.”
Dr Malone said improved access to mental health care outside the major cities needed funding models that recognised the realities of rural training.
“That means targeted support for rural students to undertake placements closer to home wherever possible, financial assistance when they must relocate, and greater investment in rural placement providers who are already training the next generation of psychologists despite significant workforce shortages and limited resources. Australians shouldn’t receive different access to mental health care simply because of their postcode.”
Read More: Loddon Shire