There has never been a more important moment for veterinarians in South Australia to step forward and help drive meaningful change. With the release of the South Australian Parliamentary Report on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians (Feb 2026), our profession has been given a rare and powerful opportunity: a comprehensive report with many recommendations that directly aligns with the AVA’s long-standing advocacy priorities.
The findings of the report reflect what many of us have known for years — that excessive workloads, financial pressures, unrealistic client expectations, workforce shortages, and the emotional weight of the job are taking a significant toll on veterinarians across our state. Yet the report doesn’t just acknowledge the challenges. It lays out 32 recommendations spanning workplace culture, legislative reform, support for rural practice, workforce planning, and improved mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.
This is a watershed moment for the veterinary profession in SA.
The next step is ensuring these recommendations don’t just sit on a shelf — they must be championed, translated into policy, and implemented in ways that genuinely improve the lives of veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and the wider animal health workforce. That is where your SA Division Committee plays a critical role.
One of the most important functions of the SA Division Committee is state-based advocacy. By nominating for the SA Division Committee, you can help us advocate for the implementation of key recommendations from the parliamentary report. Your experience — whether in clinical practice, government, academia, industry, emergency, specialist care, mobile practice, or beyond — brings perspectives we need.
How to nominate: Get involved – 2026 Division Elections: Nominations open