Recognition of veterinarians in new health classification system, unlocks access to energy saving program

Veterinarians are set to benefit from a new Australian Government initiative, aimed at reducing energy bills, with low interest loans available to fund energy efficient upgrades to their practices.

The Australian Government’s new program offers loans of up to 0.65%. These loans will allow veterinarians and other healthcare professionals to invest in energy saving measures such as solar panels, electric vehicles and energy efficient fixtures. The government estimates this could potentially save eligible borrowers over $4,600 on a $250,000 loan over a 5-year term.

In announcing the new program, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney said “Australia’s healthcare providers deliver life-saving services across our communities, but they also need energy-saving technologies to help our health system meet the challenges of climate change”.

“Our GPs, vets and other health providers are dealing with the impacts of climate change every day as patients present with illnesses from extreme heatwaves, pollution and other climate-related conditions.”

Veterinarians are eligible for this financial incentive, following the recognition of veterinarians as healthcare providers in the updated ANZSCO (now OSCA) classification system, announced in December 2024.

The classification change better reflects veterinarians’ scope of skills and responsibilities, standards, and societal value.

This was an important change for the profession and was rightly predicted to unlock government funding and policy decisions.