Review of AVA recommended key principles for veterinary practices acts in Australia

The AVA is undertaking a review and updating the 2017 AVA Recommended key principles for veterinary practice acts in Australia.

Nationally and across Australia’s jurisdictions there are numerous and significantly varying legislative Acts that impact the veterinary profession. In any given year, the AVA responds to reviews of these Acts and proposed regulatory amendments due to changes in national, state or territory government policies.

The recommended key principles for veterinary practice acts in Australia (The Recommendations) are the guidebook for all AVA advocacy in relation to veterinary legislation and calling for national harmonisation to ensure better regulation of the profession.

The Recommendations cover over 30 topics including but not limited to: objectives of Acts, functions and governance of veterinary boards, veterinary registrations, restricted acts of veterinary science, penalties, continuing professional development, professional indemnity insurance, regulation of veterinary premises, veterinary nurses, paraprofessionals, and drug prescribing.

It has been five years since the last update of the Recommendations with many jurisdictions experiencing various legislative amendments during this time. The 2022 review and update of the Recommendations will be conducted through three distinct consultation phases.

As part of the initial consultation phase AVA Members are requested to review the current recommendations and provide preliminary feedback on whether the topics and recommendations are still current or require updating, matters for including/excluding, as well as any general feedback. This initial feedback will inform the targeted in-depth consultation phase.

Please provide your comments to AVA Senior Advocacy Officer Liz Gemes by Monday 20 June.