Industry and states put pressure back on federal government over paid university placements

Universities Accord recommends commonwealth work on payments with universities and employers but experts say public funding is best

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The federal government is facing mounting pressure to fund mandatory placements, with states, students and industry warning failure to act will worsen ongoing workforce shortages amid a cost-of-living crisis.

The Universities Accord report, released on Sunday, received “strong feedback” from students about the burden of unpaid internships and called on government and industry to fund stipends.

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