Tuesday, 18 August 2026
Advocacy in action: Commonwealth Prac Payment expanded to include sonography students
The Australian Government's decision to expand the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) to include eligible sonography students from 1 July 2027 is a significant policy win for the profession and an important investment in Australia's future diagnostic imaging workforce.
Sonography is one of ten frontline allied health disciplines announced in the expanded scheme, which is expected to support around 21,000 additional allied health students each year. The announcement aligns with the Australian Universities Accord recommendation to provide financial support for students undertaking mandatory placements and recognises the critical role allied health professionals play in delivering healthcare across Australia.
For the ASA, this announcement reflects ongoing advocacy to address the financial barriers faced by sonography students and strengthen the profession’s workforce training pathway. Sonography students complete around 2,200 hours of mandatory clinical placement as part of their accredited education qualification – equivalent to a minimum of three days each week over two years. These placements are essential for developing competent, work-ready practitioners, but they often require students to significantly reduce or give up paid employment while continuing to meet the costs of travel, accommodation and everyday living.
An ASA student survey conducted in early 2026 highlighted the significant pressures experienced during clinical training: 69% of respondents had undertaken unpaid placements, one in three reported significant or extreme financial stress, and 40% had or seriously considered delaying, deferring or withdrawing from their course because of financial pressures.
Through our 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission and ongoing engagement with government, the ASA has called for sonography students to be included in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme. We also proudly supported the recent Allied Health Professionals Australia campaign and national petition calling for the scheme to be expanded to eligible allied health students.
While this announcement is a significant milestone, supporting students extends beyond financial assistance alone. The ASA remains committed to improving the clinical placement experience through ongoing advocacy and the development of practical resources for students, universities, clinical supervisors and placement providers. This includes our Position Statement on Clinical Placements, student and supervisor guidance, and resources designed to promote high-quality, sustainable clinical education across the profession.
Australia continues to face a shortage of qualified sonographers, with increasing demand for diagnostic ultrasound services across hospitals, primary care, private practice and regional communities. Supporting students to successfully complete their education is one important part of strengthening the sonography workforce and the ASA will continue advocating for practical reforms that improve access to placements, support clinical supervisors and build a sustainable sonography profession.
The ASA is liaising with the Department of Education on further implementation details and eligibility criteria.
Read more about eligibility and implementation
Related resources:
-
2026 Sonography Student Clinical Placement Survey – Read the survey findings that helped inform the ASA’s advocacy on student financial hardship and placement challenges.
-
ASA Resources on Clinical Placements – Access a range of ASA guidance and information including our ASA Position Statement on Clinical Placements.