As the peak representative body for medical students across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, NSWMSC advocates for the issues that matter most to students throughout their medical training.
Our advocacy is informed by direct engagement with medical students, university representatives, student societies and key stakeholders across the health and education sectors. We work to ensure that student experiences are heard and reflected in discussions about medical education, workforce planning and the future of healthcare.
Our 2026 Advocacy Priorities
In 2026, NSWMSC has identified several significant issues affecting medical students across NSW and the ACT.
Assistants in Medicine Positions
Assistants in Medicine positions provide medical students with valuable paid clinical experience while supporting hospital teams and strengthening the transition from medical school to internship.
However, access to these roles remains inconsistent across NSW and the ACT. Many students have limited or no opportunity to undertake an Assistant in Medicine role, despite strong interest and the potential benefits for students, health services and the future medical workforce.
NSWMSC is working with students, universities, health services, professional organisations and government stakeholders to advocate for the expansion and long-term sustainability of Assistant in Medicine positions across NSW and the ACT.
Our advocacy focuses on addressing barriers including funding, supervision, governance and employment arrangements, while promoting models that can be adapted across different health services.
Placement Poverty
Medical students are required to complete extensive unpaid clinical placements, often while managing the costs of travel, accommodation, parking, relocation and essential living expenses.
These financial pressures can have a significant impact on student wellbeing, academic participation and the ability to continue medical training. Students undertaking rural, regional and remote placements may face additional costs and reduced opportunities for paid employment.
NSWMSC is advocating for stronger financial support for medical students experiencing placement poverty, including practical measures that reduce the direct costs associated with mandatory clinical training.
We are also working to ensure that the experiences of medical students are included in broader discussions about placement poverty and financial support for students undertaking essential professional placements.
Fill in the petition for medical student/allied health student inclusion in the paid prac payment scheme!
Working Alongside AMSA and Other State/Territory MSC’s
NSWMSC works closely with the Australian Medical Students’ Association and other state and territory Medical Student Councils to strengthen advocacy at both the state and national levels.
By sharing student experiences, survey findings and emerging concerns, we are able to contribute to coordinated advocacy on issues affecting medical students across Australia.
This collaboration allows NSWMSC to ensure that the perspectives of students in NSW and the ACT are represented in national discussions, while also supporting advocacy that requires action from state and territory governments, universities, health services and national regulatory bodies.
Student-Led Advocacy
Our advocacy priorities are shaped by the experiences of medical students.
Throughout 2026, NSWMSC will continue to consult with students, medical societies and university representatives to identify emerging issues and ensure that our advocacy remains responsive, evidence-informed and representative.
We are committed to building meaningful relationships with decision-makers and working collaboratively toward practical reforms that support medical students and strengthen the future medical workforce.
Help shape our advocacy by completing the NSWMSC 2026 Medical Student Survey and sharing your experiences as a medical student in NSW or the ACT.