SA Parliament establishes veterinarian wellbeing Inquiry

South Australia is the latest Parliament to turn its attention to the challenges facing the veterinary workforce. This week the Parliament established an Inquiry looking at the wellbeing of veterinarians.

The AVA welcomes this Inquiry and looks forward to supporting the Committee in its exploration of the issues the profession faces.

The Inquiry was proposed by Hon. Sarah Game MLC, who worked as a veterinarian in South Australia prior to being elected to State Parliament. In speaking to the motion, Ms Game highlighted some of the issues the sector is facing, “We have highly resilient, highly capable people, yet they are taking their own lives and leaving the profession.”

The motion was broadly supported by parties across the political spectrum. Speaking on behalf of the Government, Hon. Mira Dannawi, said, “Everyone who has a pet or animal they love has at some point been extremely grateful for the presence and service of a vet. They are key members of our communities and deserve to work under conditions that reflect their value and support a long-term career.”

The Shadow Minister, Hon. Nicola Centofanti, reflected on her own time as a practicing veterinarian, “It is a job that requires constant commitment and always being on hold waiting on a call that may come at any time, at any hour of the day or night to treat a family pet or a farmer's livestock. There are often long days of work with little rest and the need to be at the ready for days at a time, which can be incredibly draining.”

Ms Centofanti also noted there are rewards of working in the field, “There are also extremely positive experiences as well. The bond between a human and an animal is a wonderful thing to witness. It is these positive moments that keep many veterinarians going.”

Greens spokesperson, Hon. Tammy Franks, recognised the unpaid work that veterinarians undertake for the community, “We do need to be looking also at what compensation there is for vets who care for lost, stray or homeless animals or, indeed, injured wildlife.”

Terms of Reference for the Inquiry

A Joint Committee to investigate and report on the contribution of long hours, financial strain, high work pressure and load, on the poor mental health and wellbeing of veterinarians in South Australia. 

1. Quantify the significant economic, social, and emotional benefit that this industry contributes to society so it can be acknowledged by government and Industry.
2. Measures that can be taken to improve veterinarian retention rates, including incentives for working in rural and regional areas, changed working conditions, including remuneration, unpaid hours, safe workplace culture, and client conduct standards.
3. Measure and identify initiatives to prevent the high rates of suicide and burnout among veterinarians, particularly in regional and rural areas.
4. The role played by veterinarians in providing care to lost, stray, and homeless animals, injured wildlife, emergency situations, and a way to compensate veterinarians for the financial burden in these circumstances.
5. Review of roles and shared responsibilities of veterinary nurses where it can take pressure off veterinarians. Training of veterinary nurses and related workforce.
6. Regulation of veterinary practices, including compliance with psychosocial legislation for the workplace, maximum work hours and after-hours practices.
7. Strategies to improve access to veterinary care during a cost-of-living crisis including actual cost of care including transparency on prices, pet insurance, and other support for disadvantaged animal owners.
8. The role of universities in preparing veterinarians for practice and the transition to the workforce.
9. Any other related matter.