The AVA has lodged its submission on the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) proposed Fees and Charges framework for 2027-28, highlighting the need to balance sustainable regulatory funding with continued access to veterinary medicines.
In the submission, the AVA supports an appropriately resourced, independent and efficient regulator and acknowledges the rationale for a greater cost recovery approach that aligns regulatory fees more closely with assessment and registration activities. However, the AVA has raised concerns about the potential impacts of significant fee increases on veterinary medicine availability, innovation and animal health outcomes.
Key issues identified include the need for greater transparency around fee calculations, proportionate charges for administrative applications, stronger accountability measures when regulatory timeframes are not met, and incentives to support investment in new veterinary medicines. The AVA also highlighted the importance of protecting access to products serving niche markets, minor-use species and unmet veterinary needs.
Among its recommendations, the AVA has called for improved transparency in the fee-setting process, consideration of concessions for small businesses and niche products, expanded low-cost notification pathways for administrative changes, strengthened regulatory performance accountability, and a review of veterinary medicine data protection settings to encourage innovation. The submission also recommends phased implementation of any significant fee increases to minimise unintended impacts on applicants and product availability.
The AVA looks forward to continuing to work with the APVMA and stakeholders to ensure Australia’s regulatory framework remains sustainable while supporting innovation and access to safe and effective veterinary medicines for the benefit of animal health, welfare and the veterinary profession.
Read the full AVA submission
