On 24 and 25 June, the AVA took the voice of Australia’s veterinary profession directly to Federal Parliament, meeting with 14 government and crossbench MPs, senators and advisors to advocate for greater investment in Australia’s veterinary workforce.
The timing couldn’t have been more significant. With H5 highly pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) now detected in wild birds on mainland Australia, our message was clear: when Australia faces a biosecurity threat, veterinarians are on the frontline.
Throughout the two-day visit, AVA President Diana Barker, CEO Melissa King and Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy Emily-Kate Byrne, highlighted the need for greater recognition of the profession and sustained investment in the veterinary workforce to strengthen Australia’s preparedness for future biosecurity threats.
From emergency animal disease response and food security to wildlife health and public health, veterinarians play an essential role in protecting Australia’s animals, industries and communities. Yet too often, this contribution goes unseen.
We were encouraged by the strong engagement from parliamentarians across the political spectrum and the genuine interest shown in the challenges and opportunities facing the profession.
What’s next?
These meetings are an important reminder that advocacy is most effective when it is proactive. By building relationships, the AVA is helping ensure the veterinary profession is a trusted voice when governments need expert advice and when policy decisions are being made. Our next Canberra visit is planned before the end of the year.
Over the coming months, the AVA will continue working with government to build support for practical solutions that strengthen the veterinary workforce, improve workforce sustainability and ensure Australia is well prepared for future biosecurity challenges.