Advocating to government on behalf of the profession remains one of the AVA’s most important responsibilities. As part of our federal advocacy program, AVA President Dr Diana Barker, CEO Melissa King and Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy Emily-Kate Byrne visited Parliament House on 14-15 October, holding meetings with representatives from the Government, Opposition and crossbench.
AVA met with key decision-makers, including Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry the Hon. Julie Collins M.P., Minister for Skills and Training the Hon Andrew Giles, Assistant Minister for Agriculture the Hon Anthony Chisholm, the office of Education Minister the Hon Jason Clare, Shadow Agriculture Minister Darren Chester, and independent MP Dr Helen Haines. This visit built on the AVA’s June engagement and advanced the profession’s priorities ahead of the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).
A key focus was the vital role veterinarians are playing in Australia’s H5 avian influenza response. The AVA sought support for a four-year pilot program to compensate private veterinarians treating injured and H5-affected wildlife, alongside the establishment of a national animal disaster fund to support veterinary care during declared disasters and emergency animal disease outbreaks.
Workforce sustainability was another major priority. The AVA continued to advocate for veterinary students to be included in the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme and for implementation of a National Veterinary Workforce Strategy. Discussions also covered regional HECS-HELP relief and funding to safeguard the future viability of veterinary education.
Ahead of the release of the 2026 Skill Shortage List, the AVA reinforced the importance of maintaining veterinarians on priority occupation lists while highlighting the migration barriers facing veterinary nurses. The delegation also emphasised the need to support workforce wellbeing, showcasing the AVA’s THRIVE and Cultivating Safe Teams programs as practical solutions already delivering impact.
The meetings strengthened support for the profession’s priorities among government, opposition and crossbench representatives, helping build the relationships and momentum needed to turn advocacy into outcomes. The AVA will continue to leverage this growing coalition of support through its MYEFO and 2027-28 Pre-Budget submissions, while keeping members informed as progress is made.
Melissa King, CEO and Dr Diana Barker, AVA National President with the Hon Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
