NSW Division President's Report February 2024

Hi Vets!

Will this year be the year that you join the NSW Committee?
It is nomination time for the next term of committee membership. Over the years we have benefitted a great deal from having a diverse mix of experience on our committees, so whether you are a government vet, private practitioner, or work in industry or research, your contributions are going to help shape the vet profession in NSW. The nomination process is simple – email Rose at the AVA indicating that you would like to join the committee and then we will go from there. There may be an election process in the coming months to select the final committee depending on nominations. You can email Rose at: rose.fitzgerald@ava.com.au

This last year has been a big one in terms of advocacy – numerous parliamentary inquiries, a heap of submissions (56 to be precise), and lots of media too! You can get an overview on everything that the AVA did for you in 2023 here.

One of the powerhouse contributors to our NSW committee over the years has reached the end of her term. Dr Anne Quain has been a tireless advocate for vets throughout her career, but on the NSW committee has provided guidance especially in the areas of veterinary education, animal welfare, and ethics. Most recently I had the pleasure of appearing alongside her at the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into pounds in NSW where she explained the nuances around caring for animals that have nobody else to care for them. Thanks Anne for a fantastic term, and we look forward to working with you in the future!

This year is the centenary of the veterinary profession in NSW. 100 years ago on 1 January 1924 the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1923 became law. This decision is what made us a profession, and it is amazing to think of the changes we have seen in the last 100 years. The Vet Board is collecting stories and memories of this time period, so if you have any stories about those moments in the profession that have had an impact, or any musings on how things have changed in the last century, please submit them to the board by emailing here: admin@vpb.nsw.gov.au

So what's next in 2024?
We have a big year of advocacy ahead. We are continuing the work on the regulation of medicines and pharmaceuticals, and have provided comment into new regulations around radiation. These regulations are often written with human healthcare in mind without consideration of the work that veterinarians do and the pressures on our work. The AVA’s main role is advocating for you in this space, but your voices are key. Keep an eye out for any opportunities to have your voice heard when we call for it!

The Vet Practice Act is also likely to come up for review this year, and we are awaiting the outcome of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Vet Workforce Shortage. The AVA is hopeful for targeted government support in the areas of mental health support, regional practitioner support and ideally a commitment to ongoing work in the area to improve the sustainability of veterinary practice for all vets and vet team members in our state.

It promises to be a big year and we look forward to working with the committee and the AVA team to score some more wins for NSW vets and AVA members in 2024.