Strong Government Engagement on Key Veterinary Issues: AVA Meets with Assistant Minister Dillon

The AVA recently met with Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland, Sean Dillon MP. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to progress discussions on several key advocacy priorities for the veterinary profession in Queensland. The topics discussed included:

Supporting Veterinary Student Placements
The AVA reiterated the pressing need for government support to expand veterinary student Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, especially in rural and regional areas. The Assistant Minister noted that the government is exploring options through the forthcoming Prosper 2050 Plan. Action plans for this initiative are expected to be developed in late 2025, with the AVA invited to contribute during the consultation process.

Modernising the Veterinary Surgeons Act
The outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 is finally on its way to review. The AVA has emphasised the importance of a genuine consultation process which the Assistant Minister supported and confirmed the AVA will be notified as soon as consultation opens. An AVA Working Group is being formed in the meantime to commence member input.

Medicines and Poisons Legislation Reform
The AVA’s submission to the Department of Health on proposed reforms to regulations around the storage of S8 medicines was strongly supported by the Assistant Minister. He agreed that current provisions are not fit for modern veterinary practice and assured the AVA of his cautious but determined advocacy to avoid unintended consequences for veterinarians as this legislation is reviewed.