AVA submission to the Inquiry into veterinary workforce shortages in NSW

Read the AVA full submission here.
On 9th June 2023, the Inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage in NSW was set up by the NSW Parliament Legislative Council Portfolio Committee No. 4 – Regional NSW.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has provided a comprehensive submission to the inquiry. This submission discusses the complex challenges and suggested strategies by individually addressing each of the inquiry’s terms of reference (TOR including providing 16 vital recommendations.
The AVA believes these recommendations provide the foundation for constructive dialogue and serve as a roadmap for strategic improvements to safeguard and fortify the veterinary workforce. They underscore the urgency of addressing workforce shortages while also illuminating pathways towards long-term solutions and the sustainable growth of the profession. Each recommendation underscores an aspect of the multifaceted issue at hand, presenting the government with a comprehensive framework for action. Through implementing these recommendations, we can advance towards a future where the veterinary profession is supported, resilient, and capable of meeting the diverse needs of our society.

• Recommendation 1: The NSW Government commit to ongoing recognition and support of veterinarians to continue to build and maintain capacity for Emergency Animal Disease surveillance and response activities.
• Recommendation 2: The NSW Government consider the pressing concerns experienced by government veterinarians and conduct a comprehensive review and develop a proactive strategy to support the critical work of our government veterinarians, ensure the health of our livestock, and maintain our ability to respond effectively to biosecurity threats and animal welfare issues.
• Recommendation 3: The NSW Government commit funding to AVA’s wellness initiative, THRIVE to support veterinarians and veterinary staff to lead satisfying, prosperous and healthy careers.
• Recommendation 4: The NSW Government consider funding a public awareness campaign to address the rising rates of verbal and physical assault of veterinary teams and to educate the community on the impact of their actions. For example, similar to the NSW Ambulance ‘It’s Never Okay’ campaign.
• Recommendation 5: The NSW Government consider funding for the profession to provide work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for overseas veterinarians wishing to work in NSW as well as funding to assist international NSW applicants undertake the Australian veterinary examination process without financial hardship.
• Recommendation 6: The NSW Government support changes to visa provisions including lifting of the age cap for permanent residency to be in line with the human medical field.
• Recommendation 7: The NSW Government provide resources to fund a think tank to develop an afterhours model that is sustainable for the profession and allows veterinary services to be delivered to the NSW community in both urban and rural areas 24/7.
• Recommendation 8: The NSW Government Veterinary professionals are extended the same opportunities as other professions that are being encouraged to move to regional, rural and remote areas.
• Recommendation 9: The AVA calls upon the NSW Government to explore solutions that support the veterinary sector in its role with stray animals, addressing the key issues outlined and promoting overall animal health, welfare, and public health.
• Recommendation 10: The NSW Government commits funding to develop and implement a framework that provides regulatory and appropriate financial support to the provision of veterinary services for lost, stray and homeless animals, injured wildlife and during emergency situations provided by all sectors of the profession (charities and the private veterinary sector).
• Recommendation 11: The NSW Government through funding encourages industry and the veterinary profession to collaborate and develop a framework or solution that will improve integration of veterinary services into animal production systems that is workable for all parties.
• Recommendation 12: The NSW Government support extending access to the national Translating and Interpreting Service for veterinarians.
• Recommendation 13: The NSW Government provide funding to resource the development of prioritisation and planning of the longer-term strategies that will have the most effective workforce outcomes for all stakeholders the veterinary profession serves and the profession itself.
• Recommendation 14: The NSW Government commit to legislative and regulatory reform to safeguard the role of the veterinary profession in the delivery of animal health and welfare, whilst making it adaptable to a constantly changing environment. This could be achieved by a review of the veterinary practice act and consider the interactions with other legislation including the prevention of cruelty to animals act.
• Recommendation 15: The NSW Government considers funding around educational fee relief to encourage early career veterinarians to work in rural NSW.
• Recommendation 16: The NSW Government includes veterinarians in existing mechanisms to sustain medical and paramedical workers in rural areas of NSW.

The AVA would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the AVA Members who took the time to provide us with their considerable and valuable feedback and insights regarding the inquiry into veterinary workforce shortages in NSW. Your expertise and comments are greatly appreciated and play a vital role in shaping our collective AVA response. We are truly grateful for the AVA Membership’s commitment to advancing the veterinary profession and addressing the critical issue of workforce shortages.