2023 NT Advocacy wrap up

A summary is provided below of the AVA Advocacy work that was undertaken at NT Division level in 2023.

If you would like additional information about the AVA’s broader advocacy work please visit this AVA webpage.

Also available at this link is guidance for the veterinary policy and advocacy process.

NT focused advocacy

• Advocacy Projects

  • Reducing the barriers of Vet Services in the NT project (in progress)
    • Aim of project is to investigate the challenges and barriers experienced by veterinary teams in the NT, especially in remote areas, to provide veterinary services to animals that meet animal welfare needs and obligations while adhering to regulations and requirements of legislation, such as those of NT Poisons & Medicines regulations, Veterinary Act and Veterinary Board.
    • To explore opportunities for the AVA to advocate for change (to legislation and other regulations) if areas are identified where benefits could flow to the profession, clients and animals.
    • This would include working in consultation with the NT Veterinary Board to provide support for any proposed changes
  • Vet Nurse Certificate Training Courses
    • Survey conducted of all NT practices to gather supporting data around the need for Cert IV qualified nurses.
    • Advocacy and communication with CDU & DITT for the need of financially supported Vet Nurse training courses based in the NT
  • HECS relief for graduates/early career vets working in remote & regional practice
    • Letter to NT Minister for Agriculture advocating to introduce a Rural Bonding Scheme for graduate veterinarians, similar to the HELP forgiveness programs or degree subsidy programs currently available for medical practitioners and teachers
  • Small Business Support
    • Advocacy to DITT Small Business support staff
      • around challenges faced by the veterinary profession, who are in the significant majority small business owners.
      • resources obtained and shared with NT members
    • NT Government student vacation paid work program
      • As a result of discussions with DITT;
        • a promotional flyer was produced by DITT, which was shared out through the AVA Student Group network (as well as through DITT Networks).
        • This included promotion of a semester break DITT position  - 9 students applied for this position with a NT Student being the successful applicant.
      • After Hours Safety of vet staff project
        • Development of an AVA policy and associated guidelines (to mitigate WHS safety risks for AHs Veterinary services) is being progressed through the PAC process via NT Policy Councillor
        • AHs safety risk mitigation strategies/suggestions compiled and shared to all AVA members through National newsletter
      • Student Practical Placements – promotion of local clinics
        • As a result of the NT initiative, this has now been set up through the AVA Career Connect platform.
        • Practices can submit all their information at no charge (to AVA members) and students can search through a filter to “find a student placement”.
      • NT Vet students networking 
        • Data was obtained from Australian Vet schools on the numbers of enrolled NT vet students which indicated only 4 NT students are currently enrolled.
        • Also, that places are not reserved or allocated for NT students.
        • Networking events are planned with vet students from the NT with the aim to encourage graduates to return to the NT to work.

• Government Meetings

  • In person meeting of AVA representatives with NTVB Chair & Registrar and NT CVO; Items discussed:
    • Overview of AVA functions and activities – especially around advocacy work
    • Workforce and MH crisis and impacts this is having on vets & animals
    • Desire for AVA to work collaboratively with Vet Boards to identify areas where Vet Board support may assist around the AVA’s calls for regulatory change to improve welfare of the profession and animals
    • Mutual assistance to communicate out to vets in the NT would be appreciated by AVA & NTVB
    • Opportunities for the Vet Board to interact with the profession would assist with vets understanding the function and process of the Board eg Webinars, attendance at AVA Conferences, events, Division meetings

• Working Groups

  • Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Functional Group

• Consultations/Submissions

  • NT Draft Livestock & Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 – submission 

• Information provided to NT members:

  • National recognition of veterinary registration
  • Subsidy for Veterinary Student Placements in Northern Australia
  • Protective measures against Ehrlichiosis
  • EAD notifications, prep & support
  • Natural Disaster prep & support
  • Monthly Division newsletter