Minister backs AVA call for NT veterinary workforce support

AVA NT Division President Dr Amy Harding, National Manager of Advocacy Graham Pratt, and Senior Advocacy Officer Dr Robyn Whitaker recently met with NT Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon Gerard Maley MLA, to discuss the Territory’s critical veterinary workforce challenges.

The AVA outlined key priorities including workforce incentives, support for student prac placements and HECS-HELP relief for graduate vets.

Minister Maley acknowledged the essential role of veterinarians in supporting NT communities, agriculture, animal welfare and public health. Importantly, he undertook to provide letters of support for the AVA’s call for government backing of veterinary student prac placement subsidies and HECS-HELP relief.

The AVA will continue to work closely with the NT Government to secure both Commonwealth and Territory-specific measures that strengthen and sustain the veterinary profession.