The AVA has lodged a submission to the Victorian Government’s preliminary, targeted, consultation on their sunset review of the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017, highlighting the need for a more practical, veterinary-specific approach to medicines and poisons regulation.
The submission emphasises that current regulatory frameworks are largely designed around human healthcare models and do not adequately reflect the realities of veterinary practice. With most veterinary clinics operating as small to medium businesses—often delivering hospital, pharmacy and general practice services in one setting—the AVA is advocating for reforms that are proportionate, risk-based and fit for purpose.
The AVA also calls for greater recognition of the veterinary workforce, including explicit permissions for veterinary nurses to administer certain medicines under supervision, aligning Victoria with reforms already introduced in other jurisdictions. Other priorities outlined in the submission include more practical requirements for the storage and destruction of scheduled medicines, clearer and more workable processes for emergency access to critical drugs, and nationally consistent approaches to regulation. The submission raises important concerns about the potential impact of monitored poisons databases on commonly used veterinary medicines such as gabapentin and tramadol, cautioning against unintended administrative burden or reduced access to essential treatments.
The AVA strongly supports reforms that improve safety and clarity but stresses the importance of ongoing consultation to ensure changes do not compromise animal welfare or the ability of veterinary professionals to deliver timely care. The AVA submission can be viewed here. A further submission will be informed by broader AVA member input when the Department of Health’s full public consultation process commences.