AVA Submission on SA Veterinary Services Draft Regulations

The AVA has submitted a comprehensive response to the draft South Australian Veterinary Services Regulations under the Veterinary Services Act 2023.

The AVA broadly supports the intent to modernise the regulatory framework, strengthen public and animal welfare protections, and align with national best practices.

Key Points from the Submission:

• Scope and Standards: The AVA advocates for a consistent definition of veterinary services across jurisdictions and a clear delineation of restricted services to ensure only qualified veterinarians perform high-risk procedures.
• Supervision and Delegation: The submission calls for robust, tiered definitions of veterinary supervision, and clear accountability frameworks for tasks delegated to paraprofessionals and non-veterinarians.
• Dental and Reproductive Procedures: The AVA emphasises that invasive dental work and reproductive procedures should remain restricted to registered veterinarians to protect animal welfare.
• Complaints and Disciplinary Processes: The AVA supports a fair, proportionate, and transparent complaints system. It endorses a two-tiered approach, where minor issues are resolved by the Board and serious matters are referred to the Tribunal.
• Governance and Premises Oversight: The submission recommends enhanced governance training for Board members, especially around mental health, professional regulation, and veterinary sector dynamics.
• Emerging Technologies: The AVA calls for proactive regulatory readiness for the integration of Telemedicine and Artificial Intelligence in clinical settings, including considerations of liability, oversight, and data protection.

The AVA’s recommendations aim to ensure that the SA regulations uphold high standards of animal care and welfare, reflect the realities of modern veterinary practice, and safeguard both the profession and the community.

The AVA’s full submission can be found here.