This proposal is related to the 2021-22 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook measure Medical Workforce which would eliminate all or part of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt for eligible healthcare workers if they reside in and practice in rural, regional, or remote Australia.

Under this proposal, the policy would be expanded to 3 additional eligible professions:

• Clinical Psychology
• Social Work
• Psychiatry

Eligible participants would be required to work:

• at least 24 hours per week for a period equivalent to half the length of their degree, for those working in remote areas
• at least 24 hours per week for a period equivalent to their entire degree, for those working in rural and regional areas

The proposal is ongoing and would be in effect from 1 October 2022.