President's message from Dr Sally Colgan - March 2025

It’s hard to believe it’s March already - I wanted to take the opportunity to give you an update on some important areas. 

Strategic plan 2025-2028 

Your concerns about membership fees, access to Special Interest Groups and complex fee structures were heard and we’re implementing changes based on this. As you know, the Board has frozen membership fees for 2025, and the new all-inclusive membership fee model we are developing will further increase the value of your membership. 

Engaging with our corporate partners 

I would like to acknowledge the success of our inaugural Corporate Supporter Briefing held this week. It was a great event and reinforced our strong partnerships with industry which play a vital role in helping the AVA deliver important services to our members, facilitate high-quality continuing professional development, and advocate for the veterinary profession. Their investment strengthens our collective impact, and we are thankful for their support and engagement with AVA, our members and the profession.

Federal Election priorities 

With the election announcement imminent, the AVA has been sending a clear message to Canberra: the veterinary profession is at a critical juncture, facing financial pressures, workforce shortages, and unsustainable workloads, particularly for our rural and regional vets. Urgent government funding is needed, and the AVA will continue to engage with key policymakers to ensure veterinary issues remain a priority. 

Your voice is powerful. Make sure to amplify these messages in your own networks. More information, including tips on how to get involved, is on our Federal Election Advocacy Hub. 

Western Australia draft regulatory changes 

At the end of February, the AVA made a detailed submission on the Draft WA Veterinary Practice Amendment Regulations (VPAR), highlighting key concerns about the proposed regulatory framework. The proposed VPAR introduce a disproportionate increase in regulatory burdens for veterinarians while allowing non-veterinarians to conduct veterinary procedures without equivalent oversight. This inconsistency raises serious issues related to risk management, animal welfare, and professional accountability.  

We are committed to working with the WA Government to refine these regulations in a way that supports veterinary professionals, safeguards animal welfare, and maintains public trust in the profession. 

Live animal export transition assistance program 

The government has provided $45.5 million for programs to be co-designed with industry to help support sheep producers and the associated supply chain prepare for the phase out of live sheep exports by sea. With our production animal SIGs, AVA representatives have attended workshops and feedback sessions to reinforce the essential role of vets in the industry and in any transition measures. 

Facilitated by DAFF, the feedback and insights gathered through these workshops will inform options for future work and/or potential funding from the transition assistance packages. Ongoing engagement with industry and communities will continue to play an important role in shaping future work and we look forward to working with DAFF to ensure veterinarians are included in all stages.  

2025 AVA Conference 

It’s time to start making your plans to attend the AVA Conference in May – see you in Sydney! 

Dr Sally Colgan 
President