2025 Federal Election Priorities
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has identified five urgent priorities to strengthen animal health, biosecurity, public safety, and the wellbeing of Australia’s veterinary workforce. Targeted support in these areas is essential to ensure a sustainable, resilient veterinary sector.
Veterinary services are vital to Australia’s communities and our economy. However, workforce shortages, mental health challenges, and unfunded public good services are stretching the profession. Urgent support is needed for:
- Robust Workforce
A Commitment to Rural Practice Scheme to forgive HECS-HELP debt and expanded rural subsidies to address shortages in regional areas. - Mental Health for Vets
Mental health programs tailored to veterinary professionals to build workforce resilience. - Public Good Services Funding
Financial support for wildlife care, biosecurity, and emergency services. - Training Tomorrow’s Vets
Inclusion of vet students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme and increased funding to secure future veterinarians. - Animal Health & Welfare Standards
A national veterinary antibiotic surveillance system and incentives to strengthen biosecurity and welfare.
Investing in these areas will bolster Australia's capacity to meet growing needs across animal care, public health, and food security.
Veterinary services help secure Australia’s animal health and livestock supply chain, protecting hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide and easing cost of living pressures through a safe and reliable food supply.
Veterinarians play a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s pet owners. Through their care, veterinarians help strengthen the human-animal bond, which can positively impact mental health and wellbeing.
In the 2025 Australian federal election, cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, climate action, and economic stability will likely be central issues. Agriculture may see a strong focus on sustainability practices, biosecurity measures to protect local production, and water security. Workforce shortages in rural areas and investment in agricultural infrastructure are also expected to be key concerns.
In the lead up to the election, the AVA is meeting with a range of federal politicians and stakeholders to discuss these priorities and secure the investment needed to assist the veterinary profession to thrive.
See the 2025 Federal Election priorities here.