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Better regulation – what every vet practice act should include
Every state and territory in Australia has a veterinary practice act and a veterinary registration board. Vet practice legislation is markedly different across the jurisdictions, and the AVA invests substantially in advocating for improvements in each state and territory.
“We think it makes sense for there to be much more consistency in how every state and territory regulated the veterinary profession,” said former AVA President Ben Gardiner.
Existing veterinary acts differ in many ways, including for example:
- what is a restricted act only to be performed by a registered veterinarian
- the need for and reporting of continuing professional development
- the recompense of the Board
- how impaired veterinarians are treated
- the need for professional indemnity and liability insurance as a condition of registration.
A review of the different Acts and Regulations affecting veterinarians was undertaken by the AVA in 2012.
To assist with the harmonisation of legislation across the states and territories, the AVA has developed a set of key principles that should apply to all veterinary practice legislation across Australia. These key principles will ensure the best animal welfare outcomes and protection for animal owners.
- Read the Recommended key principles for veterinary practice acts in Australia (Updated May 2017)
- Read the review paper on current veterinary practice acts from 2012

