Dear Local MP,

I am writing as a constituent of your electorate and a struggling medical student at my university, (Year —) to request an in person meeting to discuss my experience with placement poverty.

Medical students are required to undertake up to 4000 hours or 4 years of full time, mandatory placement as part of our degree. These placements are essential, but the financial burden of a full-time, unpaid and inflexible placement forces students to choose between their education and meeting basic necessities such as food and healthcare.

My electorate is home to many medical students where students work and study.

I urge you to advocate for the expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment – ensuring every student undertaking mandatory unpaid placement receives adequate financial support. The students impacted by placement poverty are the ones Australia needs.

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss this matter with you or your office.