WA Animal Care Skills Network

AVA Senior Advocacy Officer, Robyn Whitaker, attended an Animal Care Skills Network meeting that reports to the WA Government. This network comprises a wide range of representatives from across all animal care related services and training sectors. The terms of reference for this network includes; the capturing of information and related industry intelligence on priority skills and workforce needs at the industry and enterprise levels; identify industry trends and opportunities that require skill development programs and design strategies/actions to address needs. 

The AVA communicated the challenges facing veterinarians and nursing teams, and outlined that retention is the aspect that requires most assistance, rather than an increased supply to the workforce. Utilisation of allied support services and paraprofessionals was discussed, especially the need for this to be undertaken in a managed and regulated manner. The need for regulation of the animal training and behaviour sector was also flagged. The need for government support for the public good that veterinarians provide, especially for the care of injured wildlife, was highlighted.