Policy Advisory Council
PAC advanced significant policy work, finalising 14 policies for decision in November and progressing the HPAI policy update for Board ratification. Engagement at the APV Conference helped shape three emerging policies, and work commenced on transitioning all AVA policies into the new Folio system.
National Veterinary Technical Input
Technical engagement remained strong, including quarterly discussions with RSPCA on issues such as WA cat management and fit-to-fly certification. The team collaborated on new HPAI summary guidelines and posters for GP vets, and continued to support members on regulatory matters related to compounding and Amphotericin B.
Public Affairs and Advocacy
Advocacy efforts focused on key national issues.
• Major projects included advising NSW DPIRD on HPAI preparedness resources and contributing to the national Veterinary Nurse Skills Review, reinforcing AVA positions on professional registration, training standards, and supervision.
• Submissions were lodged on SA Veterinary Premises Standards, Queensland’s biosecurity prohibited and restricted matter lists, and the Jobs and Skills Roadmap for Regional Australia—highlighting veterinarians as essential workers and calling for improved workforce planning.
• Member engagement opportunities were promoted, including EOIs for Animal Welfare Advisory Committees, WVA elections, the WA greyhound racing inquiry, and the NSW Veterinary Practice Legislation Review Working Group.
Stakeholder Engagement
The advocacy team represented the AVA across a broad range of government, industry and sector forums. Key engagements included the national Agvet Chemical Priority Setting Forum, state government meetings in QLD, WA, NSW, NT and SA, wildlife emergency networks, workforce data taskforces, and the SkillsInsight VN Technical Committee, ensuring the veterinary voice remains influential in policy, regulation, and emergency preparedness.
THRIVE Wellness Program
THRIVE continued strong momentum, welcoming a newly expanded THRIVE Advisory Committee with expertise across psychology, academia, employment law, nursing and practice ownership. CST Action is progressing toward a pilot program while CST Aware has scaled rapidly, delivering sessions across universities, Greencross, and clinics, with 189 participants since July. Key initiatives included preparing the national wellbeing survey for ethics approval, delivering mental health month communications, and advancing DEI policy work. The AVA also participated in a National Roundtable on domestic violence matters related to links with animal welfare. Engagement with government and mental health stakeholders, including the WA Minister’s office and Beyond Blue, continued to strengthen sector partnerships.