AVA Member Updates

Updates from the Veterinary and Public Affairs team regarding Emergency Animal Diseases, Meloxicam and Lidocaine scheduling and various ways for members to get involved.

Ahead of the Federal Government's October budget, the AVA has released it's pre-budget submission calling for HECS debt forgiveness for graduates working in rural and regional areas.

The Domestic Animals Amendment (Reuniting Pets and Other Matters) Act 2022 (RP Act) introduced a range of changes to the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (DA Act). These changes reform the process for reuniting lost pets with their owners.

Veterinary Nurse and Technician Awareness Week is coming up on 10 – 14 October 2022, and we want to see your photos of veterinary nurses and technicians doing what they do best.

Following extensive consultation during the last couple of years, the Minister has just informed us that drafting of a new Veterinary Services Bill is now underway. This is a major milestone in reforming the way the profession is regulated in South Australia.

Recent changes to the Medicines & Poisons Act 2019 (Amendment Regulation 2022) have been made.

The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer is focused not only on Australian animal health and welfare, but also involves an important international perspective. Through investment in the Global Agricultural Leadership Initiative (GALI), the Australian Government is stepping up our leadership in international agriculture and food policy discussions.

One of the responsibilities of AVA Divisions is to be involved in advocacy – for and on behalf of animals, animal owners and users, and of course veterinarians.

A lot can happen in a month so I have only identified a few issues to highlight. In addition, we are continuing to work with the Department of Regional NSW in developing the policy for the engagement of private and other non-government veterinarians in an emergency response, both emergency animal disease and natural disasters. We will continue working to formalise the AVA liaison position, that was first employed during the March Northern Rivers Floods.

The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) began a review of AVBC’s Day One Competencies (D1Cs) (previously known as AVBC Attributes of Veterinary Graduates).