The AVA is currently preparing a submission on the consultation by the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) regarding their draft Veterinary Premises Standards.
To assist in this, we are seeking feedback from AVA members by 6 October 2025.
How to provide feedback for the AVA submission:
Please review the PIRSA information using the links below, and this discussion paper which provides details on the proposed standards, and send your input to publicvetaffairs@ava.com.au for consideration by 6/10/25.
About the South Australian Veterinary Premises Standards
One of the changes to the veterinary legislation that the AVA supported was improved regulation of veterinary premises. The Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia (the Board) will be responsible for regulating veterinary premises across the state. Under the Act, veterinary premises will need to meet the Veterinary Premises Standards (VPS). This consultation seeks feedback on the proposed VPS, which set out the standards veterinary premises must meet to be eligible for registration.
Find out more:
- read the Draft Veterinary Premises Standard(External link)
- read the Veterinary Premises Standards Consultation Paper
- read the South Australian Veterinary Services Act 2023
- refer to the Veterinary Practice Act 2003
- refer to the Veterinary Practice Regulations 2017
Previous related AVA Submissions:
SA Veterinary Services Bill 2022
Key questions supplied by PIRSA you may consider as part of your review/feedback:
- Are the categories of veterinary premises sufficient?
- Are the application requirements clear and reasonable?
- Do the prescribed standards reflect expectations of the public and current industry standards?
- What practical issues could arise if the responsible person at each premises is not a registered South Australian veterinarian based at the premises?
- Is the proposed 3–6-month application lead time for a new premises sufficient?
- Are the conditions of approval for registration practical and proportionate?
- Are the inspection triggers and random audit approach appropriate?
- Are the transitional arrangements fair for existing premises?
- Do you have any suggestions to improve clarity of the VPS?
- What if a premises cannot meet the standards?
More information for the PIRSA consultation can be found on their website here.
This includes how to make an individual submission, should you wish to, by the closing date of 31 October 2025.