Monday, 3 August 2026
ASA welcomes sonography's inclusion in the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) scheme
ASA is delighted by the Federal Government's announcement that students of sonography will be included in the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) scheme from 1 July 2027. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement on 23 July 2026, describing it as support for both students and the future health workforce.
ASA has been acutely aware of the financial hardship experienced by sonography students as they complete mandatory clinical placements, which include a minimum of three days a week over two years. A February 2026 ASA survey highlights this issue, finding that 69% of sonography students undertook unpaid placements. One third reported significant or extreme financial stress, and 40% had delayed, deferred or seriously considered dropping out of their course as a result.
In recent years, ASA has repeatedly called for sonography's inclusion in the CPP, including through its 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission and as part of a broader campaign across the allied health sector backed by Allied Health Professions Australia.
This announcement is an important milestone and a strong acknowledgement of the important role sonography plays in healthcare for communities all over Australia. It helps ensure our profession can attract and retain dedicated healthcare professionals.
We are grateful for crossbench support from MPs including Dr Monique Ryan MP, Senator David Pocock and independent Dr Helen Haines MP, whose campaigning of the extension of the scheme to allied health students was backed by a petition of more than 43,000 signatures.
What is the Commonwealth Prac Payment?
The CPP provides eligible students with financial support during mandatory placements that form part of their degree. In 2026 the payment is $338.60 per week, benchmarked against the single Austudy rate and indexed each 1 January. It is currently available to students in teaching, nursing, midwifery and social work, and from 1 July 2027 will extend to eligible students in ten front-line allied health disciplines, including sonography students.
Who will be eligible?
In the coming months, the Government will be finalising implementation details for the new disciplines with higher education providers.
In the meantime, the current CPP eligibility framework gives a strong indication of what sonography students can expect. To qualify, students will generally need to be:
- a domestic student enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place
- enrolled in an eligible entry-to-practice course of study
- completing a mandatory placement that either averages 30 or more hours per week, or is a recognised continuity-of-care placement
Students will also need to meet one of the following:
- be receiving an existing Australian Government income support payment, or
- meet the Need to Work Test and Income Test (an individual income threshold of $1,536.37 per week before tax, including scholarship income)
Students may also be able to access the CPP in exceptional circumstances.
ASA will continue working with Government to keep members updated as further details are released. Students should contact their higher education provider for course-specific guidance closer to 1 July 2027.
For more information about the Prac Payment scheme, visit the Department of Education's FAQs page.