Australian Veterinary Association Wraps Up Successful Parliamentary Advocacy in Canberra

In November, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) concluded a productive year of advocacy with a strong presence in Federal Parliament during its final sitting weeks. Over two weeks, AVA representatives, AVA President Dr Sally Colgan and National Manager for Advocacy Graham Pratt, engaged with key policymakers to champion the needs of the veterinary profession. 

The AVA delegation met with the Minister for Agriculture, key shadow ministers, and several members of parliament from across the political spectrum. Discussions focused on the vital role veterinarians play in animal health, public health, and the workforce challenges the profession currently faces. 

“Meetings ranged across the political spectrum, and we were met with positive support for the importance and role of veterinarians in our community,” said Mr Pratt. 

Graham Pratt and Dr Sally Colgan outside of Parliament House, Canberra.

Focused advocacy for a sustainable veterinary sector

Central to these discussions were the AVA’s 2025 Federal Election Priorities, released earlier in the month. This agenda outlines the key challenges facing the veterinary sector and proposes actionable solutions under five areas: 

• Robust Workforce 

• Mental Health for Vets 

• Public Good Funding 

• Vets for Tomorrow 

• Animal Health and Welfare 

The AVA emphasised that veterinarians are critical to Australia’s agricultural success, biosecurity, and animal welfare. The delegation highlighted the ongoing challenges exacerbated by workforce shortages, which have placed immense strain on practitioners, especially in rural and regional areas. 

The meetings were marked by constructive dialogue and genuine interest from MPs and advisors, many of whom acknowledged the integral role veterinarians play in public health, food security, and emergency responses to natural disasters. 

Looking ahead and how you can help 

With the 2025 Federal Election on the horizon, the AVA's advocacy efforts underscore the need for a bipartisan approach to addressing the sector’s challenges. The association’s proactive engagement with policymakers reflects its commitment to ensuring a robust, resilient, and well-supported veterinary profession. 

As the AVA continues to work closely with government stakeholders, members are also encouraged to help by engaging with their local MPs and candidates. Information on how to assist can be found on our get involved page.