Nearly 1,500 new nurses in Victoria cannot find graduate jobs despite completing free degrees.

Nearly 1,500 newly qualified nurses in Victoria are struggling to find graduate-level jobs despite completing free degrees under a state initiative aimed at addressing a projected national shortage of over 70,000 nurses by 2035. Critics blame the government for failing to plan for a surge in students, leading to an oversupply. Many graduates are working in hospitality or seeking jobs interstate, while some are leaving the profession. The state government says it is working to expand positions, though concerns remain over long-term workforce sustainability.