The Australian Veterinary Association has lodged its 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission to the Australian Government, calling for targeted investment to secure a sustainable veterinary profession and protect Australia’s animal health, biosecurity and food security.
At its core, the submission makes a clear case: veterinary services are essential national infrastructure, yet the profession has been operating under growing pressure for almost a decade. Without action, workforce shortages, mental health risks and unfunded public-good services will continue to undermine the care veterinarians provide to animals, communities and industries.
A profession delivering national value
Veterinarians underpin Australia’s public health, biosecurity and food security systems. From disease surveillance and emergency response to safeguarding export markets and strengthening the human–animal bond, veterinary work supports industries worth tens of billions of dollars and the wellbeing of more than 27 million Australians who live with animals.
Despite this, the profession is now in its ninth year of workforce shortage, with rural and regional communities particularly affected.
Five priorities for a sustainable future
The submission focuses on five practical priorities designed to strengthen the profession and ensure access to veterinary services across Australia:
- A robust veterinary workforce
The AVA is calling for a HECS-HELP forgiveness scheme for veterinarians working in regional areas, alongside funding for a national veterinary workforce strategy. Together, these measures would help attract and retain vets where they are most needed and ensure future workforce planning is based on accurate, national data. - Vets for tomorrow
Veterinary students face long degrees, extensive unpaid placements and high financial stress. The submission seeks inclusion of veterinary students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme, increased funding for veterinary courses, and support for structured post-graduate training—particularly in livestock practice—to strengthen the pipeline of skilled veterinarians. - Mental health for vets
Long hours, staffing shortages and rising client expectations continue to take a toll on veterinary wellbeing. The AVA is seeking ongoing government support to expand our proven THRIVE programs, including Cultivating Safe Teams, counselling services and mentoring, helping to build safer, healthier veterinary workplaces. - Sustainable disaster response and wildlife care
Veterinarians are on the frontline during floods, fires and extreme weather events—often providing care without compensation. The submission proposes a national animal disaster fund and a pilot program to subsidise private vets who treat injured wildlife, recognising the profession’s contribution and improving business sustainability, particularly in regional areas. - Protecting animal health and welfare
To safeguard Australia’s global reputation and public health, the AVA is calling for investment in a national veterinary antimicrobial usage and resistance surveillance system. This would strengthen One Health governance and ensure emerging risks are detected early in both animals and people.
Why this matters for members
These proposals are not abstract policy ideas—they speak directly to the realities many members experience every day: staff shortages, burnout, unpaid public-benefit work and growing community expectations. Strategic government investment would help stabilise the profession, improve career longevity and ensure veterinarians can continue delivering high-quality care without sacrificing their own wellbeing or business viability.
What happens next
The AVA will continue advocating for these priorities throughout the Federal Budget process, engaging with ministers, departments and parliamentarians to ensure the veterinary profession’s contribution is recognised and supported.
Read the full submission here.