Albanese Government to wipe HELP debt for remote doctors and nurse practitioners in Eden-Monaro

The Albanese Labor Government has passed legislation which will wipe the HELP debt of doctors or nurse practitioners who live and work in rural and remote parts of Australia, including in Eden-Monaro.

The HELP debt reduction for a doctor or a nurse practitioner will depend on the length of their course of study, and the amount of HELP debt outstanding they have when they commence providing eligible services in an eligible location.

While the amount of benefit will vary, some doctors could save on average $70,000 and a nurse practitioner could save up to $20,000, and means a doctor or nurse practitioner who lives and works in:

• A remote or very remote town for a time period of half the length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped.
• A large, medium or small rural town for a time period equal to the whole length of their course would have their entire HELP debt wiped.
• An eligible place for a period of time equivalent to half the time required is eligible to half the applicable debt reduction.

Eligible locations are determined by the Modified Monash Model which classifies remoteness. Locations in Eden-Monaro include, but are not limited to, Bermagui, Bombala, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Bredbo, Adelong, Batlow, Braidwood and Talbingo.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“We know that rural and remote Australia is experiencing skills shortages in many key professions, including doctors and nurse practitioners.

“This legislation will help attract much-needed health professionals to the areas that need them most, which will improve access to reliable healthcare services.

“We expect this legislation will attract about 850 doctors and nurse practitioners every year across the country, which will have a positive impact on communities in Eden-Monaro.”