Media release

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) supports the conclusions and recommendations contained in the Matthews Review, particularly its recognition of the key role that both private and government veterinarians play in the rapid detection and response to animal disease outbreaks.

However, we are concerned that any future animal disease response could be compromised by ongoing inconsistencies between each jurisdictions’ approach to the contracting and deployment of private veterinarians. A number of problems which were identified during the equine influenza outbreak of 2007 have still not been addressed despite four years of representations and discussions between stakeholders.  

The AVA has specifically identified the need for consistency across all jurisdictions in contractual arrangements for private veterinarians assisting with disease response efforts. This is essential to allow veterinarians from all over the country to respond immediately to cross-border animal disease outbreaks.  We are pleased this concern has been picked up in Section 5 of the Review, and again emphasise the need for immediate action on this issue before a serious disease outbreak puts Australia’s response preparedness to the test.

We now look forward to working with government to assist in the implementation of the Matthews recommendations, and to strengthen Australia’s capacity to defend against and or respond to any future animal disease outbreaks.  

Matthews Review is available from the DAFF website