WA Division Update - April

05 May 2023

AVA advocacy has continued championing for issues affecting our members, including;

  • The workforce and mental health crisis impacting the sustainability of the vet sector and factors contributing to this
  • The value of veterinarians, especially in rural and regional WA, along with the need for more vets on farms in WA
  • The legal authority for veterinarians to euthanase on animal welfare grounds as part of the Animal Welfare Act review
  • Cat welfare considerations for proposed changes to cat containment regulations and review of the Cat Act
  • The provision of discounted and subsidised veterinary services for clients experiencing vulnerabilities
  • A submission to the WA State Emergency Relief and Support Plan consultation regarding animals in evacuation centres and the role of veterinarians in emergencies

This has been through meetings with government ministers and department officers, and other organisations, including;

  • DPIRD
  • Minister for Agriculture Jackie Jarvis
  • Minister for Local Government John Carey
  • Member of Parliament – The Hon Rick Wilson
  • The Cat Haven

DPIRD has advised that the next stage of progress for the WA Vet Regulations is now mid-2023.

The AVA will be participating in consultation for this when advised.