AVA 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submissions to Commonwealth Government

10 Nov 2025

The AVA are preparing to draft Commonwealth pre-budget submissions for the 2026/2027 financial year. AVA Members are encouraged to contribute by identifying possible priorities for inclusion.

Purpose of a pre-budget submission

A pre-budget submission is a key mechanism through which organisations such as ours contribute to government policy and fiscal planning. It provides an opportunity for peak bodies, industry groups and community organisations to put forward the priorities, challenges and opportunities facing their sectors at a stage where government decisions on budget allocations are being developed.

The AVA pursues a wide range of advocacy priorities that reflect the breadth of issues impacting the veterinary profession, animal health and welfare, and the communities we serve. These priorities are designed to influence long-term policy development, regulatory reform, workforce sustainability, and improvements in professional wellbeing and standards.

While aligned with the AVA’s broader advocacy agenda, by contrast the recommendations presented in a pre-budget submission are more focused and serves a distinct purpose to ensure that the most urgent veterinary sector needs requiring government support are clearly identified and brought forward for consideration in the government annual budget process. They specifically identify veterinary priorities that require direct government support through budget allocations, funding programs, or targeted investment.

Examples of past AVA pre-budget submissions:

Examples of previous priorities included in pre-budget submissions:

  • Sustainability of the veterinary workforce

        - Build and retain regional veterinary workforce

        - Student placement support

        - Recent graduate support to practice in rural and regional areas

        - Education debt forgiveness

        - Childcare access

        - After hours services

  • Mental health support for the veterinary profession
  • Support for the veterinary public good activities:

        - Wildlife

        - Biosecurity

        - Stray animals

        - Disaster response

  • Animal health and welfare

How to Get Involved

We invite AVA Groups and AVA Members to contribute by identifying possible priorities for inclusion in your state or territory’s pre-budget submission. Please email suggestions to Graham Pratt by 28 November 2025 at graham.pratt@ava.com.au