The Minns Labor Government will bolster the recruitment and retention of health workers by committing more than $120 million towards health worker study subsidies in the budget.

The NSW Government will support 12,000 healthcare students with study subsidies over five years, fulfilling a key election health pledge.

New students will receive scholarships of $4,000 per year. Existing students will receive one-off payments of $8,000.

Students can begin applying for this support from 1 January 2024 and must be willing to make a five-year commitment to the NSW public health system.

The Minns Government is investing is investing $121.9 million over five years in the program, as it moves to further rebuild essential services as part of its upcoming budget.

Attracting skilled healthcare workers to work in the NSW health system is a challenge, made all the harder after 12 years of underfunding and neglect by the former Liberal National government.

This has been further exacerbated by competitive remuneration and employment conditions in other states and other sectors, presenting challenges to recruitment and retention.

That’s why the Minns Government abolished the damaging wages cap for NSW Government healthcare workers and delivered the largest pay increase for the workforce in more than a decade. 

Improving incentives for students to enter the health workforce, by reducing financial barriers to study, will improve recruitment and retention and lift health outcomes for patients.

The scholarship program will be open to all healthcare degrees.

Each year, up to 850 student nurses, 400 medical students and 150 people studying midwifery will enter the scholarship program, along with students in other areas including paramedicine, Aboriginal health, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Those already engaged in study will be eligible to apply for an $8,000 one-off payment upon graduation as a transitional arrangement, ensuring people who have already started studying are also recognised in this policy.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We know that not only do we need to recruit more health workers, we need to retain them, and today’s announcement bolsters that effort."

“This is just one of the suite of measures we are undertaking in building a supported workforce."

“By boosting and supporting our health workforce, we will improve patient outcomes.”