Policy Advisory Council
The Policy Advisory Council has progressed a substantial body of work, completing a major Decision Point process in November with 14 policy drafts considered. Seven final drafts have advanced to the Board for ratification, while a further seven pre-final drafts will move to member consultation early in the new year. Key policy achievements include ratification and publication of the HPAI policy for private veterinary practitioners, supported by practical summary guidelines and clinic posters. New and emerging policy work includes the establishment of a dedicated working group on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the veterinary profession, development of health certification guidelines for companion animal transport, and continued technical consultation on updates to the Rodeo policy, particularly regarding flank straps and spurs.
National Veterinary Technical Input
The team has continued to provide high-level technical input on nationally significant issues. Progress has been made on the AVA/AMA Antimicrobial Prescribing Guidelines, with expert clinicians appointed to finalise the beef cattle module. Work is also underway to update the AVA Dangerous Dogs document, with release expected early in the new year. In addition, technical and professional advice has been provided through PetFAST to legal counsel supporting specialist veterinarians involved in the Weruva International court case, with the situation being monitored.
Public Affairs and Advocacy
While no new advocacy projects commenced this period, several important initiatives were completed or progressed. The updated High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza toolkit, policy, and clinic resources were finalised and released, reinforcing preparedness and public education. Ongoing advocacy includes promotion of the Queensland EAD Sample Transport Subsidy and continued input into multiple working groups, including medicines and poisons reform and veterinary legislation reviews in Queensland and NSW. Key submissions were delivered on greyhound racing welfare in WA and the proposed guidelines for the keeping of crocodiles as pets in the NT. Member engagement opportunities have also been advanced, including consultation on SA state election priorities and the NHMRC review of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.
Stakeholder Engagement
The PAA team has maintained strong and broad stakeholder engagement across animal health, biosecurity, welfare, and regulatory reform. This includes active participation in national H5 HPAI guideline development for private practitioners, regular engagement with RSPCA National, and ongoing collaboration with state governments through legislative reviews and biosecurity taskforces. The team has also contributed to intelligence-sharing and emergency preparedness forums across northern Australia and Western Australia, ensuring AVA perspectives continue to inform policy development, preparedness, and response frameworks at both state and national levels.