Highlighting AVA's advocacy through engagement with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland (VSBQ)

AVA's regular proactive advocacy efforts include meeting with veterinary boards to support the profession at state levels. AVA values the opportunity to meet with state vet boards, where the ongoing dialogue ensures that the profession's concerns are heard and addressed. The AVA's QLD Division met with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland (VSBQ) in late September.

Key focus areas of the meeting included:

• The AVA presenting its recommendations for reforms to address challenges posed by Medicines & Poisons legislation, a key regulatory issue for veterinarians in Queensland. Additionally, the AVA raised emerging topics such as telemedicine and out-of-state veterinary services, highlighting the AVA's commitment to addressing contemporary challenges within the profession and the QLD Division's efforts to influence changes in legislation to better support veterinary professionals.
• AVA welcomed the VSBQ's recent outreach initiatives, including webinars and in-person sessions, which have been highly beneficial, particularly for new and recent graduates. These efforts align with the AVA's advocacy for stronger communication between regulatory bodies and the profession, and the AVA encouraged the continuation of these initiatives to enhance professional understanding of the role of VSBQ.
• The meeting also allowed for a short presentation on the AVA Chartered Veterinary Practitioner (CVP) accreditation program, showcasing the AVA's commitment to advancing professional standards.

The invitation for the AVA Queensland Division to attend VSBQ meetings on a regular basis, along with VSBQ participation in QLD Division committee meetings, reflects the AVA's success in fostering collaborative relationships that ensure sustained advocacy and representation for the QLD veterinary profession.