Submissions

The AVA’s submission to the WA Mental Health Commission calls for stronger recognition of occupational factors in suicide prevention, noting the elevated risk among veterinarians. It recommends closer collaboration with professional associations, alignment with WorkSafe WA psychosocial hazard regulations, and support for AVA wellbeing programs such as THRIVE and Cultivating Safe Teams to strengthen prevention efforts in high-risk professions.

The AVA has recently lodged a submission to the Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia (VSBSA) in response to the consultation on the draft Veterinary Premises Standards. Our submission commends the VSBSA for its collaborative and transparent approach and for recognising the Australian Small Animal Veterinarians (ASAV) Hospital Accreditation Standards within the proposed framework.

The AVA’s submission to the City of Hobart calls for stronger welfare principles, removal of aversive devices, a behaviour-based approach to dangerous dogs, and recognition of both surgical and medical sterilisation options.

The AVA’s submission to the NSW Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy calls for targeted reforms to address psychosocial risks in the veterinary profession, including stronger data collection, rural incentives, tailored mental health supports, and workforce retention measures.

The AVA welcomes the ACT Draft Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs and proposes practical, evidence-based refinements - centred on clear standards, positive-reinforcement training, sensible tethering and temperature safeguards, and better identification and traceability.