Fed Govt will wipe study debt of rural and remote doctors and nurses

The Government has announced it will scrap or reduce Higher Education Loan Program debts for doctors and nurses who live and work in rural Australia.

The amount the debts will be reduced by will depend on the size of the debt, where the doctor or nurse is working, and how long they have been there.

The program could save doctors up to $70,000 and nurses $20,000.

The Government expects the program will attract 850 doctors and nurses – it’s not enough to address the serious workforce shortages in regional and remote areas.

Education Minister Jason Clare, said, “Rural and remote Australia is experiencing skills shortages in many key professions. One of these is in doctors and nurse practitioners.



“This legislation will help attract much-needed health professionals to the areas that need them most.”