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Legal compliance
There is a range of legislation that must be complied with to practice as a veterinarian as well as to operate a veterinary business.
The Australian Veterinary Practice Management Association (AVPMA) has developed Smart operating guides for AVPMA members. These guides provide all the information you will need to operate your veterinary practice.
For more information visit the AVPMA website.
To join the AVPMA contact 02 9431 5010 or email avpma [at] ava [dot] com [dot] au. You must be a member of the Australian Veterinary Association to join.
Registration
To practice as a veterinarian in Australia, you need a veterinary degree that meets the criteria of your state registration board. Each state and territory has a registration board, and veterinarians need to be registered in each state they work in.
The exception to this is in Victoria and New South Wales, where veterinarians who are registered to practice in other Australian states or territories are also permitted to practice in Victoria and New South Wales.
Australian Business Number
An Australian Business Number (ABN) is your single identifier for your dealings with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and for dealings with other departments and agencies.
If you are starting a new business you will need to register for an ABN through the ATO. For more information about ABNs visit the ATO website.
Hospital licence
Some states require premises where acts of veterinary science are performed to hold a veterinary hospital licence. Form more information about what is required in your state or territory contact the relevant registration board.
Business name
Registering for a business is a different process to registering for an ABN.
If the business structure you have chosen is as a sole trader, a partnership or a trust, and not as a company, then you are required to register your business name in the state or territory in which you will operate. You do not need to register a business name if you plan to conduct your business under your, or your partner’s, first name and surname.
Business name registration is slightly different in each state and territory. Find out where to register your business name in your state or territory.
Australian company registration
Australian company registration provides you with an Australian Company Number (ACN), which along with the name, identifies your business. Company registration is administered by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC).
Visit the ASIC website for more information about registering your company, obtaining an ACN and your legal obligations.
Employers must obtain an insurance policy that covers the full amount of their liability under the workers compensation legislation in their state or territory in respect to all workers that they employ. The insurance policy must be from a licenced insurer.
The insurance will cover work-related disease, injury and accidents.
Generally speaking a ‘worker’ is defined as someone who receives wages or commission from you regardless of the number of hours they work. It also applies to employees who work offsite or away from your business premises.
Occupational health and safety
Keeping a healthy and safe workplace is a legal obligation for every employer. If an incident occurs, financial and other costs will take their toll on the practice. Stress on other employees can increase as they cover for an injured employee and of course there are financial costs as well.
The Australian Veterinary Practice Managers Association (AVPMA), with the help of RiskLogic, has produced an Occupational Health and Safety Manual tailored specifically for veterinary practices.
