The South Australian Veterinary Services Regulations 2025 have now been formally made by the Governor and published in the South Australian Government Gazette. These Regulations, together with the Veterinary Services Act 2023, will come into effect on 1 July 2026.
From the first opening of the review of the Act in 2020, the AVA has worked hard to ensure that the new legislation delivers the regulatory environment that the profession and public can trust, and one in which the profession can thrive. It has been a long road and an enormous amount of positive work has been done by Ministers, the Vet Board, PIRSA, Members of Parliament, and more.
The AVA was actively involved throughout PIRSA’s review of the legislation, providing detailed submissions and working closely with the Department to ensure members’ views were heard. Information on this advocacy work can be found here: SA Vet Bill passes the Upper House, AVA Submission on SA Veterinary Services Draft Regulations, AVA Submission on SA Veterinary Premises Standards.
Several key recommendations from the AVA’s submissions have now been incorporated into the revised legislation, including:
- Removal of the requirement for veterinarians to notify the Vet Board if claims are made against them.
- In a move to help remove barriers to veterinarians seeking mental health support when needed, the new legislation removes the requirement on employers to report employees to the Board and will relax the reporting obligation on health professionals.
- Increased transparency of administrative processes (which the Board have been proactively undertaking in recent years).
- The Responsible Person for a registered veterinary practice must be a South Australian registered veterinarian, ensuring appropriate professional accountability.
The South Australian Veterinary Surgeons Board will communicate with all registered veterinarians regarding the commencement of the new legislation. The AVA will also provide members with practical guidance on the changes, including compliance considerations and impacts on day-to-day practice.