As we celebrate the International Day Women and Girls in Science, it’s crucial to highlight not only the contributions of women in STEM but also the barriers that continue to hold them back. In Australia, women make up around 80% of the allied health workforce, and medical radiation science is no exception. Yet many of these future imaging and radiation therapy professionals are struggling under the weight of placement poverty.
Independent MPs Helen Haines and Sophie Scamps recently raised the issue in Parliament after meeting with medical radiation science students and ASMIRT, revealing the deep financial, emotional, and physical strain caused by mandatory unpaid placements. Students often lose income, face increased costs, and suffer overwhelming stress trying to meet placement requirements while staying afloat.
The situation is stark:
- 85% of medical imaging students surveyed say financial stress negatively affects their learning
- 1 in 4 are considering dropping out altogether
- Students report skipping meals, sleeping in cars, quitting jobs, and suffering burnout that impacts both academic performance and mental health
While the Government’s new Commonwealth Prac Payment supports students in nursing, midwifery, social work, and teaching, medical radiation science students were excluded, despite having some of the highest placement hour requirements in the health sector.
This exclusion disproportionately affects women and girls pursuing careers in science and healthcare. At a time when Australia faces chronic workforce shortages across all allied health disciplines, financial barriers are pushing passionate, skilled students to the brink — and sometimes out of the profession entirely.
A Moment to Act
International Women and Girls in Science Day is more than a celebration — it’s a call to ensure equity, opportunity, and support for the next generation of women in STEM. One of the most impactful ways we can do this right now is by advocating for fair placement support.
A national petition, supported by ASMIRT and championed by MPs David Pocock and Helen Haines, calls on the Government to expand Commonwealth Prac Payments to ALL allied health students, including medical radiation science. This would provide double Austudy payments during placement periods, easing the immense financial burden these students face.
Add Your Voice
Your signature in the link below strengthens the push for equitable financial support and helps ensure women and girls pursuing careers in imaging and radiation therapy can complete their studies safely and sustainably.
Expand Commonwealth prac payments to allied health and medical students