WA Division President Update - July 2023

Dear Colleagues,

I trust you’re all doing well and enjoying the thick of winter in our beautiful state. It's my pleasure to provide you with the July WA Division update. Due to some recent travel, it has been a few months since my last update so there is a fair bit to update you on.

We have continued our correspondence with new WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis since our introductory meeting in April. Key points continue to be future sustainability of our industry, regulatory and legislative challenges faced by our profession, and opportunities to improve animal welfare.

I was pleased to attend the official opening of the WA Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre on May 2. A big congratulations to the Team at WA Wildlife on this brilliant step forward in wildlife conservation.

The WA Division committee and I have had several recent media engagements including on 6PR and ABC radio. The topics of these segments ranged from light ‘advice to owners’ to the more serious issues of veterinary service sustainability.

In mid May I participated in a tour of a Live Export Vessel, courtesy of the Livestock Collective, to shed light on the complex operational aspects of live exports, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this domain.

At the end of May I also attended the AVA National Conference in Adelaide and Council of Presidents’ meeting. This was a great opportunity to engage with the AVA’s Directors, SIG Presidents and key staff. My push to maximise membership numbers and reduce membership fees was well-received and I hope to see more happen in this space over the coming year.

Our WA Division strategy day on 24 June laid out the advocacy priorities for the next 12 months. It was invigorating to discuss our vision and strategies for the coming year, highlighting our collective desire for continual improvement and growth.

On 29 June Dr Robyn Whitaker and I had an insightful meeting with Senator Slade Brockman, discussing the veterinary workforce shortage and the lack of available vets for disaster/animal welfare events. We believe that through effective communication and collaboration with our political leaders, we can drive positive change for our industry.

I attended DPIRD’s regular Committee for Animal Welfare in Emergencies meeting on 4 July at which I highlighted the difficulties our profession will face responding to a major disaster event given the ongoing workforce shortages. I also emphasised the need to sort out the longstanding issues around remuneration for services and professional indemnity arrangements. DPIRD informed us that they will make announcements in these areas soon.

Thank you all for your passion, dedication, and commitment to our profession. I look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and drive positive change in the months to come.

Regards,

Garnett Hall
President, AVA WA Division