ANNE URQUHART MP

Federal Member for Braddon

MEDIA RELEASE

Labor investing in regional healthcare workforce

Local healthcare students will soon have new accommodation options, with the Albanese Labor Government providing funding for the Regional Student Accommodation project at the University of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast Campus.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering $2.2 million for the University of Tasmania to provide more support for regional students through the refurbishment of the former Wellers Inn in Burnie. This funding is delivered through the Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) Program and Increasing Rural Medical Training Initiative.

The 27-bed property will be transformed into dedicated accommodation for health students, helping attract and support more students to live, learn and undertake clinical placements in North West Tasmania.

The project will strengthen the local healthcare workforce pipeline while further establishing the Cradle Coast Campus as a leading destination for healthcare education and training.

Federal Member for Braddon, Anne Urquhart MP said the growing student numbers at the University are a win for the local workforce.

“Training students right here at Cradle Coast Campus means they’re more likely to stay and build their careers here,” Ms Urquhart said.

“Strengthening our local healthcare workforce is key for Braddon. This funding will enable more students from regional communities and disadvantaged backgrounds to study at university level.

“I am proud that the Albanese Labor Government is investing in our healthcare students, from slashing HECs debts and expanding paid prac, to now providing accommodation for students close to the Cradle Coast Campus.”

Quotes attributable to Professor Sonya Stanford, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Cradle Coast:

“It is a really exciting time for education in the region, and we have been thrilled to see enrolments growing steadily – they were up by 35 percent last year.

“This purchase is an investment in our students and our community – it will make a real difference for people who have to move close to the campus for study in a very tight rental market, and it will usher in a bright new chapter for Wellers.

“The refurbishment will provide much needed housing in the area for students that live, study and work in Burnie.”

WEDNESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2026