AVA South Australia State Election Priorities

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has released its 2026 South Australian Election Priorities, outlining the critical actions needed to secure a sustainable and resilient veterinary sector. As the peak body representing veterinarians nationwide for more than 100 years, the AVA is calling for strategic investment and policy commitment to ensure veterinary professionals can continue delivering essential services that support animal welfare, community wellbeing, and the state’s $1.97 billion livestock sector.

Veterinarians are trusted health professionals who serve both metropolitan and regional communities, providing emergency and preventative care for pets, livestock, wildlife, and unowned animals. Their work underpins biosecurity, food safety, disaster response, and the broader public good. However, ongoing workforce shortages, financial pressures, and increasing mental health risks are placing the sector under strain—particularly in rural and remote areas.

Five Priorities for a Sustainable Future

The AVA has identified five key priorities for the upcoming state election:

1. Rural and Regional Veterinary Workforce Support
   South Australia faces critical shortages of veterinarians in rural communities, creating risks for animal welfare, biosecurity, and local industries. Investment comparable to that provided to other essential health professionals is needed to ensure veterinary services remain accessible across the state.

2. Support for Veterinary Students
   Veterinary students must complete 52 weeks of practical placement, creating significant financial barriers—often described as “placement poverty.” Targeted assistance will encourage greater exposure to regional practice and help build the future workforce.

3. Supporting the Public Good Provided by Veterinarians
   Private veterinary practices routinely deliver unfunded public services: wildlife care, disaster response, and support for vulnerable populations. Decades of underfunding threaten the viability of this work, putting pressure on clinics and communities alike.

4. Mental Health Support for Veterinary Professionals
   High rates of burnout, financial stress, and workload challenges are contributing to elevated mental health risks within the profession. Funding for dedicated programs—including mentoring, 24/7 counselling, and safe workplace training—will improve wellbeing and retention.

5. Implementation of a Statewide Cat Management Strategy
   After extensive collaboration with government and stakeholders, the AVA is urging the release and funding of a comprehensive cat management strategy. A consistent statewide approach will address current gaps that place undue strain on veterinarians, councils, and animal welfare groups.

A Call for Collaboration

These priorities align with key recommendations from the recent Joint Committee on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in South Australia. By acting on them, the state can strengthen biosecurity, support regional communities, safeguard food production, and ensure South Australians continue to receive high-quality veterinary care.

The AVA welcomes further engagement with policymakers and stakeholders to discuss these priorities in more detail and to work toward long-term solutions that protect both the profession and the communities it serves.