The NSW Government has released its consultation outcomes report on the proposed modernisation of the veterinary practice regulatory framework. The report demonstrates substantial alignment between the Australian Veterinary Association’s submission and the views expressed by veterinarians, veterinary nurses, industry stakeholders and the broader community during consultation.
Overall, 81% of respondents expressed positive sentiment towards the reform package, with particularly strong support for veterinary nurse registration, modern complaints management, expanded codes of conduct, and the introduction of licensing frameworks for contemporary service models.
For AVA members, the report is encouraging. Many of the key principles advanced in the AVA’s submission are reflected in the themes, priorities and stakeholder feedback highlighted by the NSW Government.
Telehealth and mobile services: Strong consensus
One of the strongest areas of alignment relates to telehealth and mobile veterinary services.
The AVA supported licensing of these services provided they operate within a framework that maintains clinical standards, a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), continuity of care, accountability and animal welfare safeguards. The AVA also called for clear guardrails around prescribing, escalation to in-person care, record keeping and professional oversight.
The consultation outcomes report found broad support for licensing mobile and telehealth services (81.4%), with respondents similarly emphasising the need for clear standards, continuity of care, professional accountability and limits on telehealth prescribing without a prior examination.
Regulation of veterinary nurses: A major reform supported by the AVA
The strongest support across all reform themes related to registration of veterinary nurses and technologists, with 88.7% positive sentiment.
The AVA strongly advocated for registration of veterinary nurses, supported by recognised qualifications, defined scopes of practice, continuing professional development, supervision requirements, accountability mechanisms and title protection. The AVA also called for recognition of prior experience and “grandparenting” arrangements to support experienced nurses during transition.
These themes featured prominently in stakeholder feedback, including support for minimum training standards, CPD requirements, transitional pathways and recognition of experienced but unqualified veterinary nurses. The consultation report specifically references the AVA’s support for a staged and well-governed transition.
Complaints reform and wellbeing: AVA priorities echoed by the profession
The AVA’s submission strongly supported modernising complaints management through a risk-based, proportionate and systems-focused framework that prioritises serious animal welfare concerns while reducing unnecessary stress on practitioners. It also advocated for a “just culture” approach and greater mental health protections for veterinary professionals.
The consultation outcomes report found overwhelming support (92.4%) for risk-based complaints management. Stakeholders consistently described the current system as overly stressful, slow and punitive, and supported stronger triage, early dismissal of vexatious complaints, educational responses and improved practitioner wellbeing supports.
Notably, the report directly quotes the AVA’s position supporting a modern, risk-based complaints framework.
Licensing veterinary premises: shared support with caution
The AVA supported the introduction of a licensing framework for veterinary premises, provided it is proportionate, risk-based, adaptable to modern service models and implemented through a staged transition process. The AVA also highlighted concerns about regulatory burden, costs and the need for ongoing profession-led consultation during implementation.
Stakeholder feedback reflected similar views. Respondents supported licensing frameworks but emphasised the importance of reasonable transition periods, minimising administrative burdens and ensuring all providers are held to consistent standards. Concerns about licensing fees and access to veterinary services, particularly in rural areas, were also prominent.
Board composition: Similar direction, some differences in detail
The AVA advocated for a veterinarian-led Board that includes broader expertise in veterinary nursing, governance, law, consumer affairs and regulation. The AVA also supported formal engagement between the Board and the profession.
Consultation respondents similarly supported a more diverse Board composition, with 80% supporting the inclusion of a veterinary nurse or technologist and broader representation from different sectors of the profession.
One area where the AVA’s submission went further was its emphasis on government funding for the Board’s expanded functions and opposition to funding reform solely through increased practitioner fees. While cost concerns featured strongly throughout consultation feedback, the outcomes report does not indicate a clear consensus on funding mechanisms.
Modernising registration and professional Standards
The AVA supported nationally consistent registration categories, recognition of the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC), expanded Code of Conduct requirements, and nationally harmonised regulatory settings.
Consultation respondents strongly supported streamlining registration categories (76.6%) and extending the Code of Conduct to all registered persons and licensed premises (93.2%). Stakeholders similarly emphasised consistency, accountability and professional standards across the veterinary sector.
What happens next?
According to the NSW Government, consultation feedback will now inform finalisation of the proposed reforms and development of legislation for introduction to Parliament in late 2026.
The AVA welcomes the strong alignment between its submission and the consultation outcomes. The report demonstrates broad support across the profession for modern, risk-based regulation that strengthens animal welfare, supports workforce sustainability and recognises the evolving nature of veterinary practice. The AVA will continue engaging with government and the Veterinary Practitioners Board as the reforms progress to ensure implementation remains practical, proportionate and focused on positive outcomes for animals, veterinary professionals and the community.
