AVA Member Updates

Following extensive consultation during the last couple of years, the Minister has just informed us that drafting of a new Veterinary Services Bill is now underway. This is a major milestone in reforming the way the profession is regulated in South Australia.

Recent changes to the Medicines & Poisons Act 2019 (Amendment Regulation 2022) have been made.

The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer is focused not only on Australian animal health and welfare, but also involves an important international perspective. Through investment in the Global Agricultural Leadership Initiative (GALI), the Australian Government is stepping up our leadership in international agriculture and food policy discussions.

One of the responsibilities of AVA Divisions is to be involved in advocacy – for and on behalf of animals, animal owners and users, and of course veterinarians.

A lot can happen in a month so I have only identified a few issues to highlight. In addition, we are continuing to work with the Department of Regional NSW in developing the policy for the engagement of private and other non-government veterinarians in an emergency response, both emergency animal disease and natural disasters. We will continue working to formalise the AVA liaison position, that was first employed during the March Northern Rivers Floods.

The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) began a review of AVBC’s Day One Competencies (D1Cs) (previously known as AVBC Attributes of Veterinary Graduates).

This article covers key factors that employers need to keep in mind when considering their employee’s parental leave entitlements.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries have provided a suite of resources and information to help people choose to purchase from a responsible breeder or rescue shelter.

The TGA has made the interim decision to not amend the existing Schedule 5 entry for lidocaine "in injectable preparations containing 2 per cent or less of lidocaine when packaged in a container with a tamper resistant cartridge which can only be dispensed through a rubber ring applicator for tail docking and castration of lambs, or castration of calves" It is the AVA’s view that the Committee and Delegate have based their decision on a number of misconceptions.

The TGA has made the interim decision “to create a new Schedule 6 entry for meloxicam in oral transmucosal preparations containing 1% or less meloxicam for pre-surgical treatment and pain management in Livestock during routine animal husbandry procedures." It is the AVA’s view that the Committee and Delegate have based their decision on a number of misconceptions.