Inquiry into the adequacy of Australia’s biosecurity measures and response preparedness

The AVA has made a submission to the Inquiry into the adequacy of Australia’s biosecurity measures and response preparedness, highlighting issues pertinent to the specific role of the veterinary profession in the national biosecurity system and suggesting opportunities to address these.

Veterinarians play a vital role in all key components of animal disease control and management, namely quarantine, early diagnosis, response and eradication. Effective surveillance, diagnosis and eradication requires a well-trained veterinary workforce experienced in disease investigation. There are significant risks to industry, government and the community if Emergency Animal Diseases (EADs) are not diagnosed early, traced effectively and eradicated as quickly as possible.

At the same time, similar to other skilled professions, the veterinary profession is facing critical workforce shortages and other sustainability challenges, especially in rural and regional areas. The AVA believes there is a pressing need for government investment and support to ensure an effective veterinary workforce is in place to safeguard this essential service.

In our submission, we have highlighted risks and opportunities relevant to the role of the veterinary profession in Australia’s EAD response preparedness, with suggestions for improvements to safeguard Australia’s favourable disease status. To read the AVA’s EAD response preparedness submission, click here.