Skip to content

NSW Inquiry Recommendations - Prioritising AVA response

The release of the report of the NSW Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage in NSW was a positive moment for the profession and the Report will have implications across the country. It recognised the role of veterinarians and the workforce pressures that they are working under. It also acknowledged the unpaid work that veterinarians undertake and recommended the government financially support this.

The AVA has released a response to the report and are now working to push for the implementation of many of the recommendations. To help us prioritise this, we are asking all members (regardless of which state or territory you are in) for your views. Please take some time to complete the below survey indicating how you would rate the recommendations.
1.Name (optional)
2.State or territory
3.Region
4.What type of practice do you primarily work in?
Recommendation 1
That the NSW Government provide dedicated, ongoing funding for the provision of veterinary services to wildlife, including for:
  • wildlife rescue organisations
  • existing wildlife hospitals
  • support the expansion of wildlife units at other hospitals
  • private veterinary practices to contribute to reasonable costs for services.
5.Recommendation 1 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 2
That the NSW Government consider amending the Companion Animals Act 1998 to:
  • ensure local government authorities collect stray animals from licensed veterinary clinics
  • ensure that appropriate funding is provided to local government authorities to ensure that there is a consistent interpretation of the Act across all local government areas.
6.Recommendation 2 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 3
That the NSW Government develop a clearer regulatory framework for the provision of telehealth veterinary services to complement the delivery of after-hours services and potentially help reduce the burden on the veterinary workforce.
7.Recommendation 3 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 4
That the NSW Government consider amending the Veterinary Practices Act 2003 and other relevant legislation to ensure that mobile veterinary clinics can be easily registered to deliver veterinary care, particularly in areas with no clinic within a reasonable distance. Any changes must ensure mobile clinics work collaboratively to ensure they can provide essential additional veterinary services without causing detriment to local clinics.
8.Recommendation 4 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 5
That the NSW Government consider reviewing the Veterinary Practices Act 2003 to ensure that the Veterinary Practitioners Board NSW complaints investigation process is updated to allow for a streamlined process, and to distinguish between substantial complaints and those which are frivolous or vexatious.
9.Recommendation 5 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 6
That the NSW Government advocate to the Australian Government to:
  • align visa requirements for veterinarians with those in the human medical field
  • amend working holiday visa requirements for veterinarians to enable longer stays with a single employer.
10.Recommendation 6 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 7
That the NSW Government prioritise a review of the Veterinary Practitioners Act 2003 and its associated regulation immediately following, or in conjunction with, the review of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 and associated regulations and codes.
11.Recommendation 7 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 8
That the NSW Government continue to work with the Australian Government to increase the availability of childcare places, particularly in regional and rural areas.
12.Recommendation 8 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 9
That the NSW Government provide grants to appropriate organisations to raise awareness and educate clients about the impact of their behaviour on veterinarians.
13.Recommendation 9 - Level of priority for AVA action
Recommendation 10
That the NSW Government consider funding the Australian Veterinary Association to support its work developing mental health programs for veterinarians.
14.Recommendation 10 - Level of priority for AVA action