AVA returns to Canberra to advocate for investment for the veterinary sector

This week, alongside Melissa King and Graham Pratt from the AVA team, I was in Canberra for the first sitting of Federal Parliament for 2025. Over the course of two highly productive days, we met with key decision-makers to highlight critical issues and advocate for urgently needed investment in the veterinary sector.

The challenges facing our profession—financial pressures, workforce shortages, unsustainable workloads, lack of government support for rural and regional vets, and the high cost of veterinary education—are well known to our members and hinder veterinarians from doing what they do best: caring for animals and supporting our communities. This is why the AVA's 2025 Federal Election priorities and 2025 pre-budget submission are so crucial—they present tangible solutions to create a more sustainable future for veterinarians across Australia.

^{Graham Pratt, CEO Melissa King and AVA President Dr Sally Colgan with Member for Hunter Mr Dan Repacholi MP}

^{Graham Pratt, Dr Sally Colgan and Melissa King with  Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines MP}  

The conversations in Canberra were productive, providing an opportunity for strong, meaningful engagement with policymakers who recognise the essential role of veterinarians. Our meetings spanned many different portfolios, electorates and both sides of parliament, demonstrating how deeply embedded vets are in Australian communities and industries. We had valuable discussions with the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator the Hon Murray Watt; Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines MP; Member for Hunter, Mr Dan Repacholi MP; and Jonathan Maran, Policy Advisor to Senator Hollie Hughes, Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

^{Graham Pratt, Dr Sally Colgan and Melissa King with Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. David Littleproud MP}  

A special thanks to Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, the Hon. David Littleproud MP, for his continued support of the veterinary profession. His recognition of the vital role veterinarians play in protecting Australia’s food supply chain and biosecurity is greatly appreciated.

We will continue to work hard on your behalf, strengthening our Federal parliamentary connections, to secure the investment and funding the profession so desperately needs. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.

TAKE ACTION:
- Contact your local Member of Parliament, Senator or Candidate.
- Share your story – your personal experiences are invaluable.
- Spread the word! Share these priorities with your networks and tag your local candidate.
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