Every Australian is impacted by the important work led by the veterinary profession.
The AVA has identified 5 critical priorities that safeguard biosecurity, protect animal health and welfare, preserve public safety and advance the wellbeing of the Australian veterinary workforce.
These priorities call for urgent investment to secure a sustainable and resilient veterinary sector.
Building a robust veterinary workforce
Facing persistent labour shortages, a national veterinary workforce strategy is needed to revitalise the profession and attract new vets to rural and regional areas.
Supporting veterinary students to futureproof the profession
With the requirement to complete 52 weeks of unpaid practical placement at their own expense, veterinary students face major challenges during their training, often restricting their access and exposure to rural and regional experiences.
Investing in mental health for a thriving veterinary profession
Compassion fatigue, managing exceptionally long working hours in unsupported conditions, and the significant financial strain of training and practice, are some of the contributors to poor mental health outcomes for veterinarians.
Vets are stewards of public good
The veterinary workforce provides frontline treatment of injured wildlife during natural disasters and critical biosecurity surveillance, often without payment or subsidy.
Vets protecting animal health and welfare
With 75% of new and emerging human diseases originating in animals, vets are the guardians of public health, providing frontline zoonotic disease surveillance and protecting standards which underpin the food security of our nation.
Latest submissions and updates
Your membership at work — stay across the submissions, policy wins and advocacy shaping the future of your profession.
Advocacy resources
Veterinary Industry Snapshot
The veterinary industry is worth $35 billion to the Australian economy each year.
Veterinary impact Snapshot
An overview of the essential role of veterinarians in our communities
Elections: The veterinary voice when Australia votes
Download the full priorities document here.
Fighting antimicrobial resistance
AVA has been at the forefront of fighting antimicrobial resistance for more than 30 years, developing prescribing guidelines, stewardship programmes and national policy alongside government and human health professionals. As one of AVA's three strategic priorities, our work spans companion animals, livestock and the broader One Health agenda — because protecting the antibiotics vets rely on today is critical to animal welfare and public health tomorrow.
Workforce data
Australia's veterinarians are essential to public health, food safety, biosecurity and the wellbeing of animals and their communities — yet there is no centralised workforce planning for the profession in Australia. To address this gap, AVA established a voluntary biennial survey of all registered veterinarians to build the evidence base the profession needs.