ALP announces sweeping changes to student work placements as Gaza war looms large at party conference

Anthony Albanese will cast practical' policies as the key to countering the anxiety and frustration in Australia

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Students in 10 fields including physiotherapy, speech pathology and clinical psychology will receive financial assistance to complete mandatory placements under a major expansion of the federal government's paid work experience program.

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, will make the announcement in a speech to open the Labor national conference on Thursday, which will cast practical" policies as the key to combating the anxiety and frustration gripping the electorate.