Thursday, 23 July 2026
Prac Payments include Sonography
ASA is delighted with today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that students of sonography will be included in the Commonwealth Practice Placement (CPP) scheme from 1 July 2027 under the discipline of Radiography which also includes diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine technology.
ASA has been acutely aware of the financial hardship experienced by some sonography students as they complete mandatory clinical placements which include a minimum of three days a week of over two years, or roughly 2,200 hours.
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. Today’s announcement is an important milestone and a strong acknowledgement of the important role that sonography plays in healthcare for communities all over Australia. It ensures that our profession can attract and retain dedicated allied healthcare professionals.
We are grateful for crossbench support from MPs including Dr Monique Ryan MP, Senator David Pocock, and independent Dr Helen Haines MP for advocating for the extension of the scheme to allied health students.
Read more about the announcement here.