President’s message from Dr Diana Barker – May 2024

I am delighted to have been reelected to the AVA Board of Directors – thank you for your support and I look forward to continuing to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our association and our profession.

Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme

It is extremely disappointing that the Federal Government has overlooked the essential nature of veterinary work, leaving veterinary science students out of its recent promise to provide funds to support teaching, nursing, and social work students on university placements.

Numerous news outlets picked up the AVA media release on this topic, and I have provided comment, including this ABC radio broadcast, and these articles from the Guardian Australia and ABC online.

The AVA welcomes the Federal Government’s changes to HELP debt indexing, but will continue to advocate for veterinary students to be included in the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme, and we encourage you to write to your local MP requesting their support. Your voice can make a difference. The Veterinary Kaleidoscope is also circulating a petition on this important issue. 

Have Your Say

The AVA is our professional association and as such it is incumbent on us to help shape the Association’s vision and drive better outcomes for our profession.

There are 3 opportunities coming up that enable you to: get involved and stay informed about the AVA’s progress against strategic priorities, immerse yourself in the veterinary community, and share your feedback with the AVA Board.

AVA Annual General Meeting

On Monday 20 May at 1pm (AEST), the Annual General Meeting will be held virtually, allowing all members the opportunity to join regardless of location. In addition to voting on general resolutions, there will be a ‘Q&A’ session where members will be able to ask questions of the Board. The AGM is an important platform for transparency and accountability and to ensure that our actions as a Board are aligned with the needs and aspirations of our members.

AVA Conference

There is still time to register for AVA Conference in Melbourne from Monday 27 – 31 May. Please join me and hundreds of your colleagues from around Australia for the myriad of learning and social events to be held across the week. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the profession, exchange ideas and be motivated by inspiring speakers. Whether you join for the entire conference, a single day or an alumni catch up, you’ll enjoy the benefits of learning and collegiality that is the cornerstone of AVA Conference.

AVA Member Forum

Like the AGM, the annual AVA Member Forum on Thursday 13 June at 7pm (AEST) will be a virtual event, making it more available to the membership.

It’s an opportunity for the Board to give the membership a brief overview of some key projects before opening the floor to the membership to ask questions and share feedback. Key items for discussion include the second stage of the AVA Constitutional Reform project and a project to seek member feedback on the Association, our purpose and reaffirm and explore what you value in your membership.

Your presence at the AGM, AVA Conference and the AVA Member Forum is vital to the success of our association and crucial in ensuring that our collective voice is heard. We invite and welcome your participation at all 3 events.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our association.

Dr Diana Barker
AVA President