2025-26 Federal Budget: The AVA's Reaction

The Federal Budget released this week was the last pitch to voters before the Prime Minister announced the 3 May Election yesterday. The main thrust of the budget was the Albanese Government's attempt to address the cost of living pressures within the community. 

There was some debt relief for university graduates, but little that is specific to the veterinary profession. Investment in a National Food Security Strategy is a positive move. However, it is disappointing that the budget did not recognise the need for a National Veterinary Workforce Strategy - a key advocacy priority for the AVA and a recommendation in the Jobs and Skills Australia report into the food supply chain workforce.

Student debt relief 
In a move to alleviate financial burdens on graduates, the government has announced a 20% reduction in all outstanding student debts, including those from the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). Subject to the election result and legislation, this initiative is set to take effect before the indexation on 1 June 2025, effectively removing approximately $16 billion from the collective student debt of over three million Australians. For veterinary professionals, who often accumulate substantial educational debts, this will be a welcomed measure. The 2023/24 AVA Workforce Survey Report revealed the median student debt for recent veterinary graduates has surged to $84,640, a substantial increase from the $5,000 median debt reported by those graduating in the 1980s and 1990s.

National Food Security Strategy
The budget allocates $3.5 million over two years, starting in 2025–26, to develop a National Food Security Strategy. This initiative seeks to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthening supply chain resilience. For veterinary professionals, this strategy underscores the critical role of animal health and biosecurity in ensuring a stable and secure food supply. 
The AVA will seek to actively participate in the development of this strategy, as veterinarians contribute expertise in disease prevention, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices. 

Election 2025
While the AVA welcomes these two positive moves, we are looking for stronger commitments from both major parties in the lead up to the May 3 Election. Key AVA priorities are:
•    Robust Workforce - A Commitment to Rural Practice Scheme to forgive HECS-HELP debt and expanded rural subsidies to address shortages in regional areas.
•    Mental Health for Vets - Mental health programs tailored to veterinary professionals to build workforce resilience.
•    Public Good Services Funding - Financial support for wildlife care, biosecurity, and emergency services.
•    Training Tomorrow’s Vets - Inclusion of vet students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme and increased funding to secure future veterinarians.
•    Animal Health & Welfare Standards - A national veterinary antibiotic surveillance system and incentives to strengthen biosecurity and welfare.

The AVA team will continue to work hard over the next five weeks to put our key messages to key Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and MPs. 
See our full election priorities here: Federal Election