AVA advocates for veterinarians at NSW Parliamentary inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage

_{Image (L-R): AVA Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs Dr Cristy Secombe and NSW Division President Dr Zachary Lederhose}

This week, AVA representatives briefed the committee undertaking the NSW Government’s inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage in NSW.  

AVA Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs Dr Cristy Secombe and NSW Division President Dr Zachary Lederhose were invited to present to the Inquiry Committee Members as part of this briefing. The presentation included some background on the veterinary workforce shortage in Australia, a summary of the main factors driving the shortage and proposed solutions. 

This inquiry was announced following the AVA’s NSW Election Platform advocacy on key priorities pre- and post NSW election, including on rural and regional workforce issues.,  

The AVA continues to drive advocacy on this extremely important issue. Currently we are undertaking a consultation process with members and key stakeholders to inform the AVA representations to the inquiry. We strongly encourage members to share insights, experiences, and recommendations with us and the inquiry. By actively participating in this consultation process, we can ensure that our collective voice is heard and that the unique challenges faced by the veterinary profession are recognised and addressed at the highest levels. 

Member feedback will inform a comprehensive AVA submission and representations to the inquiry. 

AVA Members are encouraged to review the Terms of Reference and provide feedback to AVA Senior Advocacy Officer at  liz.gemes@ava.com.au by  Friday 30 June 2023 at 9:00am AEST. 

AVA Members are also encouraged to make their own individual submissions to the inquiry  by 21 July 2023. In early July, the AVA will provide members with key messages, information, and guidance on how to write and lodge individual submissions.  

“Given the range of contributing factors, we believe that addressing veterinary shortages will require a collaborative response involving the profession, animal related industries and government,” Dr Lederhose said. 

For a summary of the AVA’s messaging around this issue, please click here.