The AVA has secured a significant advocacy win, with the NSW Health Minister confirming a transition period of at least 12 months before new restrictions on the supply of emergency compounded veterinary medicines for emergency use take effect. Without the extended transition period, key emergency medicines would have been unavailable to veterinary practices from November this year.
The outcome follows sustained advocacy by the AVA and strong engagement from veterinarians across NSW, who provided real-world examples demonstrating the critical role emergency compounded medicines play in supporting timely patient care and protecting animal welfare.
In correspondence from NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, Members of Parliament were advised that a time-limited exemption will allow pharmacists to continue supplying compounded medicines for emergency use while the profession transitions to the new regulatory framework. NSW Health has also committed to further consultation with the veterinary profession, industry and regulators on longer-term implementation arrangements.
The new provisions sit within the NSW Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation 2026, due to commence on 5 November 2026. Importantly, the Minister also confirmed that pharmacists will continue to compound and supply medicines prescribed for individual animals based on verbal, faxed or emailed orders, while veterinarians will retain the ability to compound medicines as part of their professional practice where appropriate.
Listening to the profession
The AVA had raised concerns that immediate implementation of the changes could create unintended consequences for veterinary practices and animal welfare, particularly where compounded medicines are relied upon to address urgent clinical needs, therapeutic gaps, or situations where no suitable registered product exists.
The decision to provide an extended transition period reflects the strength of the evidence put forward by the profession and gives veterinarians, pharmacists, regulators and other stakeholders valuable time to identify practical solutions and implementation pathways that minimise risks to patient care.
Advocacy continues
The AVA welcomes this positive and pragmatic response from NSW Health, which recognises both the operational realities of veterinary practice and the importance of maintaining access to timely treatment for animal patients.
While the transition period is an important achievement, the AVA’s advocacy will continue. We will work closely with NSW Health, regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure veterinary and animal welfare considerations remain at the centre of discussions about the long-term framework.
The AVA thanks all members who shared clinical examples and feedback throughout this process. Your contributions were instrumental in helping decision-makers understand the real-world impacts of the proposed changes and the potential consequences for animal welfare and veterinary service delivery.
We will continue to keep members informed as further details become available.
