Public Affairs and Advocacy Update August - December 2024

02 Jul 2025

The AVA’s Public Affairs and Advocacy (PAA) and Policy team has been hard at work advancing the interests of veterinarians nationwide. From addressing critical IV fluids shortages to influencing regulatory frameworks, the breadth of our work underscores the AVA’s commitment to safeguarding the profession and supporting members. Below is a summary of the key areas the PAA team has focused on August to December 2024. 

Policy Advisory Council: 

At their December 2024 meeting, the AVA Board considered 12 policies for potential ratification, in line with PAC’s recommendations. 

The Board have ratified the following 6 policies (some with minor edits): 

The Board asked for some additional edits and discussion on the following 6 policies which they will consider again in Jan 2025 at a special meeting: 

  • Infection prevention and control in veterinary workplaces (update - rewrite) 
  • Drought and drought preparedness (major update) 
  • Farming of native fauna (update - rewrite) 
  • Identification of cattle (major update) 
  • The veterinarian’s role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community companion animal health and management programs (update - rewrite) 
  • Sustainability: implications for animal production, companion animals and veterinary practice (new) 

New resource on antimicrobial resistance (ava.com.au) 

The Policy Council webpage contains further policy development information. 

National Veterinary Technical Input: 
The AVA actively participated in high-level consultations and technical discussions across various domains. Key contributions included: 

  • Engaging in biosecurity preparedness initiatives such as DAFF’s Exercise Volare to simulate responses to potential H5 HPAI outbreaks. 
  • Providing input into Bluetongue virus transmission zone reviews in NSW. 
  • Advocating for practical reforms in Medicines & Poisons legislation, including discussions with QLD Health regarding overnight storage of S8s and efforts to extend medication access for urgent situations in WA. 
  • Responding to regulatory challenges such as veterinary nurse x-ray use in SA and ACT’s medical gas licensing framework to ensure proportional compliance measures for veterinary practices. 

Public Affairs and Advocacy (PAA): 

The AVA’s sustained advocacy efforts have led to landmark policy advancements in veterinary workforce sustainability, setting a strong precedent for other jurisdictions. In Tasmania, the AVA engaged in pivotal discussions with Minister Howlett on workforce sustainability, contributing to the development of the recently announced Veterinarian Attraction Package. In NSW, the government expanded The Welcome Experience—a key initiative under the Essential Worker Attraction Program—to include veterinarians, vet nurses, and veterinary technicians. This program supports essential workers relocating to regional NSW by providing housing assistance, childcare access, and community connections. These initiatives mark significant steps towards addressing workforce shortages and enhancing support for veterinary professionals, and the AVA remains committed to securing further financial incentives to attract and retain veterinarians in rural and regional areas nationwide. 

The AVA also played a crucial role in the review of Australia’s occupational classification framework, resulting in the reclassification of veterinarians as health professionals under the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA).

The AVA’s strong advocacy focus is maintained across multiple fronts, addressing issues critical to the profession and public good services. Key initiatives included: 

  • Veterinary Workforce Advocacy: Release of the seventh AVA Veterinary Workforce Survey in October, providing a detailed analysis of workforce challenges, employment trends, and graduate debt. 
  • IV Fluids Shortage: National engagement through the IV Fluids National Response Group, including a member survey to inform advocacy efforts. 
  • Federal and State Political Advocacy: Ongoing work on the 2025 Federal Election priorities, emphasising workforce sustainability, mental health programs, and public good services. Additionally, pre-budget submissions were lodged with the NSW Government, highlighting critical funding needs for veterinary workforce retention and infrastructure development. 
  • Regulatory Advocacy: Engagement in major consultations such as the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) Consultation 2024, the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024, and various state-based legislative reviews on animal welfare, biosecurity and radiation compliance. Advocacy is also ongoing around regulation of veterinary nurses and other paraprofessionals. 

Stakeholder Engagement: 
The PAA team engaged in 39 external meetings with key stakeholders, reinforcing the AVA’s influence in policy and regulatory discussions. Highlights included: 

  • Participation in the National Veterinary Workforce Data and Governance Roundtable in Canberra. 
  • Meetings with Veterinary Boards and Small Business Commissioners to address veterinary practice challenges. 
  • Contributions to Queensland’s Task Force on Stronger Dog Legislation. 
  • Advocacy efforts to address public misconceptions regarding veterinary care costs, including responses to public commentary from finance expert Scott Pape. 

THRIVE Wellness Program: 
Veterinary mental health and wellbeing remained a central advocacy focus, with the AVA advocating for dedicated government funding to support THRIVE. A key recommendation in the NSW Pre-Budget Submission requested $3.6 million in funding over four years to expand THRIVE initiatives, including psychological health and safety training, mental health first aid, suicide prevention programs, and veterinary-specific counselling services. The AVA continues to prioritise workforce wellbeing, recognising its integral role in sustaining the profession. 

 

Detail on activities August - December 2024

IV Fluids shortage 

One of the most pressing challenges affecting veterinary practices is the ongoing IV fluids shortage. The AVA has been actively involved in national discussions, including participating in the IV Fluids National Response Group. To provide real-time insights into how this shortage is impacting clinics, we launched a survey to gather member feedback. This critical data is instrumental in shaping our advocacy efforts, ensuring that our voice at the table reflects the challenges experienced across the country. The full report of the survey conducted in the impact of the IV fluids shortage can be found here. 

Workforce matters 

Securing a sustainable veterinary workforce continues to be a high priority of the AVA.  

The seventh AVA Veterinary Workforce Survey report was released in October. This provides an in-depth look at the current landscape of the veterinary profession and offers valuable insights into workforce trends, including graduate debt, employment patterns, and the evolving demands of veterinary services across Australia.  

The report's results reinforce the AVA's advocacy priorities and can be viewed in full here. 

The AVA welcomed the NSW Government’s response to the Inquiry into Veterinary Workforce Shortages in New South Wales  report and recommendations through a media release and provided a full response indicating its position on all recommendations. 

While we would have liked to see more commitment on timeframes and funding for key recommendations, we look forward to working with the NSW Government to implement recommendations aimed at addressing workforce shortages, mental health, and regulatory reforms.  

We also engaged in pivotal discussions with Tasmania’s Minister Howlett on the sustainability of the veterinary profession and included discussion around a recently announced Veterinarian Attraction Package being implemented to help address this in Tasmania.  

NSW Government’s “Welcome experience” extended to the veterinary profession 

This week Dr Michael Ferguson welcomed Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty to his veterinary clinic in Wauchope, NSW. It was a good opportunity to share with the Minister his experience of recruiting veterinary professionals to rural and regional NSW.  

The visit follows the NSW Government’s expansion of  The Welcome Experience to include veterinarians, vet nurses, vet technicians and their families. Part of the Essential Worker Attraction Program, this initiative assists essential workers in relocating and settling into regional NSW communities by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.  

"It was a valuable opportunity to host the Minister for Agriculture at Wauchope Veterinary Clinic, allowing us to highlight the challenges of recruiting and retaining veterinary professionals in rural practice, and to demonstrate the essential services we provide to the community," said Dr Michael Ferguson, owner of Wauchope Vet Clinic.  

The AVA’s 2023 Workforce Survey indicates that 55% of veterinary positions in regional NSW remained vacant for more than 12 months. Factors such as professional burnout, mental health challenges, and limited access to childcare and housing exacerbate recruitment and retention difficulties in rural regions.  

The NSW Inquiry into Veterinary workforce shortages in NSW recognised this and recommended the NSW Government considers providing financial incentives for veterinarians who work with livestock, to ensure an adequate number of large animal practitioners are available to support primary producers in regional areas.   

In its response, the NSW Government expressed in-principal support for this recommendation, which acknowledges the importance of addressing workforce shortages in these vital areas through financial incentives.  

The expansion of The Welcome Experience to include veterinary professionals is a positive development, addressing relocation information and connection aspects. The AVA remains committed to continue advocating for financial incentives to effectively attract and retain veterinary professionals in rural and regional areas across Australia.  

NSW Pre-budget submission 

The AVA has lodged a pre-budget submission for the 2025-26 NSW Government budget. This AVA’s 2025-26 pre-budget submission focuses on the on the critical priorities facing veterinarians in NSW and offers a range of recommendations underpinned by the recent Inquiry into veterinary workforce shortages in NSW recommendations and the NSW Government’s responses. 

For detailed information please read the full AVA submission.  

The following 3 key topics and 13 key recommendations were included in the AVA submission: 

1.  Veterinary professionals – at greater risk of poor mental health 

  • Recommendation 1.1 Funding for the AVA wellness initiative (THRIVE) 

The NSW Government commit to funding ($3.6 million over 4 years) to the AVA’s wellness initiative, THRIVE to support veterinarians and veterinary staff to lead satisfying, prosperous and healthy careers.  This includes the expansion of a range of existing programs being undertaken by the AVA for the veterinary profession and implementing new programs under the areas of prevent, promote and protect. These bespoke programs provide psychological health and safety awareness training, mental health first aid, suicide prevention and counselling for veterinarians. 

2.  Build and retain veterinary workforce 

  • Recommendation 2.1 Regional and rural relocation incentives  

The NSW Government allocate funding to implement targeted financial incentives for veterinarians to relocate to regional and rural NSW, particularly those working with livestock, to address critical workforce shortages and support primary producers. 

  • Recommendation 2.2 Student placement support 

The NSW Government subsidies for accommodation and travel costs associated with students undertaking clinical placements in rural and regional areas. 

  • Recommendation 2.3 Veterinary infrastructure funding 

The NSW Government invest in veterinary infrastructure development that includes accommodation will assist in meeting this challenge. The AVA proposes that the Government establish a veterinary infrastructure subsidy available to rural and regional veterinary services businesses to help them include accommodation facilities within the veterinary hospital. 

  • Recommendation 2.4 Recent Graduate Rural and Regional incentive funding 

The NSW Government implement an incentive scheme that provides a financial payment to recent graduates who begin their veterinary careers in rural and regional areas. The incentive would be in 2 parts, firstly an initial payment that is aimed at supporting the relocation costs incurred by the recent graduate. A second payment would be available once a recent graduate had completed at least 5 years veterinary practice in a rural or regional area. 

  • Recommendation 2.5 Childcare access 

The NSW Government fund and implement targeted initiatives to address childcare challenges faced by veterinary professionals, with a focus on improving access to childcare. 

  • Recommendation 2.6 Afterhours Services 

The NSW Government provide resources to fund a think tank to develop an afterhours model that is sustainable for the profession and allows veterinary services to be delivered to the NSW community in both urban and rural areas 24/7, including the provision of telehealth veterinary services to complement the delivery of after-hours services. 

3.  Sustainability of veterinary services – recouping the costs of delivery of public good delivered by the private veterinary sector 

  • Recommendation 3.1 Veterinary services for wildlife 

The NSW Government commit funding for a pilot program to private veterinary businesses to assist with the variable cost of delivery of veterinary services to Australia’s wildlife. 

  • Recommendation 3.2 Veterinary services for disaster impacted wildlife 

The NSW Government to establish formal support arrangements for veterinary services provided to disaster-impacted wildlife. 

  • Recommendation 3.3 Stray Animals and Pounds 

The AVA urgently calls upon the NSW Government to fund the investigation and implementation of a state-wide consistent policy for the interaction between local government and veterinary practices in management of stray dogs and cats. 

  • Recommendation 3.4 Biosecurity funding – Veterinarians on farms 

In its funding of the biosecurity system the NSW Government commit to including increased specific investment in veterinary services (particularly rural and regional) and supporting delivery of veterinary services that deliver public good (e.g. getting veterinarians onto farms regularly to enhance biosecurity and animal welfare). 

  • Recommendation 3.5 Biosecurity funding – Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) testing support 

The NSW Government should commit to sustained funding and support for EAD preparedness initiatives as a proactive measure to safeguard animal health, public health, and the agricultural economy. This includes reinstating free veterinary-initiated laboratory testing for EAD-related disease investigations to remove financial disincentives for primary producers and encourage early and accurate disease reporting. 

  • Recommendation 3.6 Low-income earners 

The NSW Government to fund the investigation and implementation of strategies to ensure the veterinary care needs of animals in our community are effectively met for low-income earners that is means tested. 

Regulatory challenges 

Several significant regulatory developments were addressed by the AVA. In New South Wales, we tackled issues surrounding the supply of scheduled medicines and the compliance requirements for radiation use in veterinary oncology, collaborating closely with authorities to ensure the needs of the profession were met. Similarly, in South Australia, major changes affecting veterinary nurses’ use of x-rays were a key focus. We also successfully navigated the ACT’s medical gas licensing framework to exclude veterinary practice from burdensome requirements. Finally, our participation in a national working party on statutory regulation for veterinary nurses highlighted our ongoing commitment to elevating veterinary standards. 

Veterinary classification milestone 

The AVA was proud to announce a significant advocacy achievement with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) officially recognising veterinarians as health professionals in the updated Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) system. This milestone follows the AVA’s comprehensive submission and collaboration with the ABS during its review of the ANZSCO framework. Veterinarians have been reclassified from "Natural and Physical Science Professionals" to "Miscellaneous Health Professionals," reflecting their vital contributions to animal health, welfare, and public health. This recognition not only underscores the regulation and responsibilities of the veterinary profession but also positions it to benefit from improved workforce data, enhanced funding opportunities, and evidence-based policy development. With this change in place for the 2026 Census, veterinarians will see their societal and economic impact more accurately represented, marking a pivotal win for the profession and its future. 

Biosecurity & Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) preparedness 

As global disease threats continue to evolve, the AVA is deeply engaged in biosecurity initiatives. This included participating in DAFF’s Exercise Volare, a simulation exercise to strengthen preparedness for a possible incursion of H5 HPAI. 

Th AVA also engaged in discussions on Bluetongue virus transmission zones in New South Wales. We also shared the EMtrain platform, a vital resource for veterinarians involved in biosecurity efforts, to ensure preparedness in managing future outbreaks. 

Medicines and Poisons legislation reform  

Advances have been made in the AVA’s project around reform of Medicines & Poisons legislation. In QLD we have recently been invited by QLD Health for the AVA to be part of discussions next year around reforming their M&P legislation with regard to the storage of S8s in vehicles overnight. In WA, progress has been made with the WA Health Dept, thanks to the valuable assistance of the WA Vet Board, around extending the scope of “authorised persons” to enable suitably trained and approved people to have access to veterinary medications for use in urgent situations (under veterinary direction). The Vet Board are also discussing with the DoH items such as medication use for cross-border transport of horses and live export ships, with the view to making regulations more functional for veterinarians. 

The precedents established and insights gained from these discussions will support similar reforms, and ultimately contribute to harmonisation, across multiple jurisdictions. 

Advocacy Forums 

Key discussion points at the Advocacy Forums feedback from the AVA member survey on priority advocacy issues, the 2025 federal election priorities, and how the AVA plans to consult with Advocacy Forum representatives, Divisions, and SIGs moving forward. Topics such as veterinary workforce shortages, mental health initiatives, and funding for public good services were highlighted as priorities. The Forum emphasised the need for clear communication and effective feedback loops among members to ensure timely and relevant input on advocacy matters. 

Government elections  

Our advocacy work included a focus on Federal election priorities as well as those in the ACT and Queensland, ensuring the veterinary profession remains central to political discussions for all elections. Engagement with parliamentarians pre and post ACT and QLD elections was undertaken to strengthen relationships and included providing resources for AVA members to utilise at a local level. 

2025 Federal Election Priorities 

The AVA has identified five urgent priorities to strengthen animal health, biosecurity, public safety, and the wellbeing of Australia’s veterinary workforce. Targeted support in these areas is essential to ensure a sustainable, resilient veterinary sector. 

Veterinary services are vital to Australia’s communities and our economy. However, workforce shortages, mental health challenges, and unfunded public good services are stretching the profession. Urgent support is needed for: 

1. Robust Workforce  

A Commitment to Rural Practice Scheme to forgive HECS-HELP debt and expanded rural subsidies to address shortages in regional areas. 

2. Mental Health for Vets  

Mental health programs tailored to veterinary professionals to build workforce resilience. 

3. Public Good Services Funding  

Financial support for wildlife care, biosecurity, and emergency services. 

4. Training Tomorrow’s Vets  

Inclusion of vet students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme and increased funding to secure future veterinarians. 

5. Animal Health & Welfare Standards  

A national veterinary antibiotic surveillance system and incentives to strengthen biosecurity and welfare. 

Investing in these areas will bolster Australia's capacity to meet growing needs across animal care, public health, and food security. 

Veterinary services help secure Australia’s animal health and livestock supply chain, protecting hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide and easing cost of living pressures through a safe and reliable food supply.  

Veterinarians play a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s pet owners. Through their care, veterinarians help strengthen the human-animal bond, which can positively impact mental health and wellbeing. 

In the 2025 Australian federal election, cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, climate action, and economic stability will likely be central issues. Agriculture may see a strong focus on sustainability practices, biosecurity measures to protect local production, and water security. Workforce shortages in rural areas and investment in agricultural infrastructure are also expected to be key concerns. 

In the lead up to the election, the AVA is meeting with a range of federal politicians and stakeholders to discuss these priorities and secure the investment needed to assist the veterinary profession to thrive.   

Meetings have been held in Canberra with Federal MPs by the AVA President and AVA advocacy staff, with more planned for early 2025. 

See the 2025 Federal Election priorities here. 

Consultations and submissions  

The AVA has been deeply involved in several high-impact consultations, advocating for the profession at every opportunity. These include contributing to the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) Consultation 2024, ANZSCO’s occupational classification review, and the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024. Other notable submissions were lodged to consultations on critical animal welfare regulations in NSW, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Victoria, the ACT, and the Northern Territory. 

Stakeholder engagements 

Over August to December, the PAA team engaged in 39 external meetings with a wide range of stakeholders.  

Highlights include our participation in the National Veterinary Workforce Data and Governance Roundtable in Canberra, discussions with Veterinary Boards and Small Business Commissioners on veterinary practice challenges, and our involvement in Queensland’s Task Force on stronger dog legislation. These engagements are vital in expanding the AVA’s influence and ensuring the profession’s interests are represented at every level.  

The AVA remains active in advocating for the veterinary profession by addressing public misconceptions around the cost of veterinary care and by supporting animal welfare initiatives in challenging social contexts. This included the AVA responding to public commentary from popular finance advisor Scott Pape, clarifying factors that influence veterinary costs, including limited government support and the added burden of exaggerated breed traits. This aligns with the AVA’s ongoing efforts to foster public understanding of veterinary expenses while advocating for the mental well-being of veterinary professionals impacted by such commentary.  

The AVA also attended the 2024 Lucy’s Project Conference, which delved into the intersections of domestic and family violence (DFV) and animal welfare. The AVA’s involvement underscored the important role veterinary services play in supporting individuals and animals impacted by DFV, with panel discussions spotlighting veterinary professionals as essential allies in intervention and support. 

Policy development 

Our commitment to improving veterinary practice is demonstrated through ongoing policy development. The AVA Policy Advisory Council continued its work on drafting policies for member comment. 

At their December 2024 meeting, the AVA Board considered 12 policies for potential ratification, in line with PAC’s recommendations. 

The Board have ratified the following 6 policies (some with minor edits): 

The Board have asked for some additional edits and discussion on the following 6 policies which they will consider again in Jan 2025 at a special meeting: 

  • Infection prevention and control in veterinary workplaces (update - rewrite) 
  • Drought and drought preparedness (major update) 
  • Farming of native fauna (update - rewrite) 
  • Identification of cattle (major update) 
  • The veterinarian’s role in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community companion animal health and management programs (update - rewrite) 
  • Sustainability: implications for animal production, companion animals and veterinary practice (new) 

New resource on antimicrobial resistance (ava.com.au) 

The Policy Council webpage contains further policy development information.