HECS-HELP initiative for GradConnect newly qualified nurses and midwives

Eligibility for this initiative requires NQNMs to be recruited through the GradConnect process for a graduate program within WACHS (external site).

GradConnect is the centralised recruitment process for NQNMs to apply and access a wide range of employment opportunities within WA public health services.

Other eligibility criteria

1. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent visa holders who meet the HECS-HELP (external site) loan eligibility
2. Newly qualified registered nurses and midwives commence employment to a position through GradConnect with WACHS on or after 1 July 2023 and up to 01 July 2025 (inclusive).
3. Only applicable to permanent or fixed term contracts of 12 months or longer.
4. Casual contracts or fixed term contracts less than 12 months are ineligible.

Conditions

• If NQNM have previously received a CNMO scholarship to cover tuition fees during their undergraduate degree that is equal to, or exceeds, $12,000 the grant will be proportionate to the difference of the scholarship amount and the $12,000.
• NQNM must provide evidence of their current HECS-HELP loan balance. To access your HECS-HELP loan balance, please contact the Australian Taxation Office. Any non-HECS-HELP costs incurred by the employee are not covered by this scheme.
• NQNM can be seconded to different hospitals across WACHS and remain eligible.
• Moving from a WACHS site to a metro site renders employees ineligible for payment.

Application process

• There is no formal application to complete. The Chief Nursing and Midwifery Office and WACHS collaborate to ensure GradConnect NQNM meeting the eligibility criteria are contacted directly to access funding.
• GradConnect NQNM starting on or after 1 July 2023 and up to 1 July 2025 (inclusive), will be contacted after completing 12 months of continuous service with WACHS.

Payment schedule

• Employees must commence work no later than 1 July 2025 and complete a minimum of 12 months continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the first incentive payment.
• Employees must commence work no later than 1 July 2024 and complete a minimum of 2 years continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the second incentive payment.
• Employees must commence work no later than 1 July 2023 and complete a minimum of 3 years continuous service with WACHS before they are eligible to claim the third incentive payment.
• Casual contracts and fixed term contracts less than 12 months are ineligibleCasual contracts and fixed term contracts less than 12 months are ineligible.

For fringe benefit tax purposes, this reimbursement is an expense payment fringe benefit that your WA Health employer entity (WACHS) may include as part of your reportable fringe benefit amount on your income statement.