AVA Member Updates

The AVA played a crucial role in influencing the outcome of the ACT's new regulatory framework for medical gases by providing input and recommendations that highlighted the unique needs of veterinary facilities.

The annual FNQ/CQ/NQ AVA conference took place at the scenic Lake Tinaroo of the Atherton Tablelands. Despite the heavy rain we’ve been experiencing on the Tablelands, we were fortunate to enjoy a break in the clouds and a beautiful, sunny weekend.

The QLD Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill was passed through QLD State Parliament in 2024.

Information and resources will be provided in the coming weeks on how QLD Division members can “get involved” to advocate for the following matters that the QLD Division Committee have identified as those of highest concern to QLD members.

In follow up to an initial discussion held last year with the SBCQ, a meeting was held with SBCQ Commissioner, Dominique Lamb.

The AVA QLD Division undertook a project with the aim to investigate the impact that private veterinary employers providing Q fever vaccinations to veterinary nursing staff is having on the ability of veterinary nurses/technicians to receive their vaccinations, and the finances of the veterinary practice. This was undertaken to identify opportunities for the AVA to advocate for financial or other publicly supported methods to ensure all veterinary nursing staff have access to, and are protected through, Q fever vaccinations.

QLD Division Committee members and AVA Staff attended what while become an annual meeting between UQ and the AVA at UQ's Gatton campus. Key topics discussed included the AVA’s interaction with the UQ Vet School, students and staff.

The AVA QLD Division President, Dr Regan Lynch and AVA Senior Advocacy Officer, Dr Robyn Whitaker, held an in-person meeting with BQ at their BSL facility in Coopers Plains. BQ Director, Dr Fiona Thompson, and BQ Senior Principal Scientist, Dr Dave Thomson, provided an update on the communications project that AVA are involved with which is aimed at improving the transport of lab samples and enhancing communication with the veterinary profession.

The WA Division Committee held its annual in-person meeting in August, kindly hosted at the offices of Xsights Digital in Fremantle.

Last month we said goodbye to Kristen Steele as Vic Division’s advocacy officer and support person. Kristen has worked tirelessly for the AVA for many years, and for most of my time on the Victorian Division Executive Committee she has kept us informed, on track and organised. I will miss our regular touch-base meetings and her passionate support of the AVA, the Victorian Division and the veterinary profession. Although she is no longer on staff with the AVA, she is an AVA member and a friend who I am sure we will continue to see and hear from as she continues her research into veterinary workforce issues. Best of luck in your endeavours, Kristen!