CPP Compliance Made Simple: Sector Collaboration Sets Benchmark for Innovation

Tackling Placement Poverty: How TechnologyOne Is Enabling Equitable Student Support

In a strategic response to the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) Program announced in the 2024–25 federal budget, TechnologyOne has partnered with Central Queensland University and Victoria University to deliver a no-cost software solution tailored to the operational needs of Australian higher education institutions. This initiative is designed to streamline institutional compliance with the CPP Program, which aims to alleviate financial hardship for approximately 73,000 students enrolled in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work disciplines. These students, who are required to undertake mandatory unpaid placements, will be eligible to receive a weekly stipend of AUD 331.65, representing a significant step towards equitable support in professional training pathways.

Given that the CPP introduces new administrative and regulatory responsibilities for universities, including the requirement to manage the programme by July 2025, TechnologyOne’s solution offers timely and practical support. Developed in collaboration with the two universities, the software integrates seamlessly with existing systems to verify student eligibility, process payments, and track applications. Moreover, it features dedicated student portals for updating personal details and lodging appeals against declined claims, thereby accommodating those with evolving circumstances.

To date, nine universities have adopted the system, which was developed in just 50 days by a team of three developers. Implementation reportedly required less than a month. University representatives have expressed strong approval; Neville Hiscox of Curtin University noted that internal plans were paused to prioritise the platform, which was deployed swiftly with robust support. Similarly, Tahnee Leman from James Cook University praised its seamless integration and the resultant improvement in institutional efficiency.

TechnologyOne CEO Ed Chung attributed the platform’s success to its collaborative development with university partners, ensuring that it addressed sector-specific requirements. He emphasised the importance of accurately identifying eligible students to maximise programme uptake, describing the innovation as a meaningful contribution to a sector the company has long supported.

The CPP initiative forms part of a broader federal strategy to reduce financial barriers for students in placement-based degree—fields, which have historically faced challenges in access and diversity, particularly within education, healthcare, and social services. As the July 2025 compliance deadline approaches, the widespread adoption of TechnologyOne’s solution is anticipated to play a pivotal role in supporting universities and students alike.

Editor’s Note:

The launch of the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) Program is a much-needed step to help students who face financial stress while doing unpaid placements in important fields like teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work. For a long time, many students, especially those from low-income families or regional areas, have struggled with the costs of these placements, which have quietly limited who can enter these professions. The CPP offers a weekly payment of AUD which is more than just financial help,it’s a smart way to make these careers more accessible and diverse by supporting students through their studies. But for the program to truly work, universities must be able to manage it smoothly and fairly. The partnership between TechnologyOne, Central Queensland University, and Victoria University offers free, easy-to-use software that helps universities meet government requirements efficiently while maintaining student experience. Universities using this system already report reduced admin work and timely student support. More universities should adopt this software for compliance and to foster a fairer, more supportive learning environment. Moving forward, sustained collaboration between the government and universities is crucial. This partnership must ensure the program continuously evolves to meet genuine student needs and address emerging challenges. Key elements for the program's ongoing effectiveness will include transparent regulations, equitable appeal mechanisms, and robust technical support.

Skoobuzz believes that this program is a significant step toward dismantling obstacles within higher education. Its true measure of success will not be the volume of payments disbursed, but rather the extent to which it positively transforms students' lives.