NSW Veterinary Practice Legislation Review consultation

June 11, 2026

The AVA advocates for modern, consistent regulation of the veterinary profession across all jurisdictions. This includes calling for the regular review and reform of legislation affecting veterinary practice to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Following the NSW Government’s 2024 response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage, a review of the NSW Veterinary Practice Act 2003 and its associated regulations has now commenced.

To assist with the submission the AVA is preparing, we are seeking feedback from AVA members by Friday 19 June 2026.

How to provide feedback for the AVA submission

Please review this consultation paper which provides details on the proposed changes, and send your input to publicvetaffairs@ava.com.au for consideration.
Due to a tight consultation timeframe from DPIRD, we ask that you provide your feedback by Friday 19 June 2026.

About the NSW Veterinary Practice Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework for veterinary practice in NSW is primarily established under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003, which regulates veterinary practice through restricted acts of veterinary science, provides for the registration of veterinary practitioners and licensing of veterinary hospitals, sets minimum professional standards, and establishes a statutory role of the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board as the regulator. The framework is principally focused on the registration and oversight of veterinarians and veterinary hospitals, with an emphasis on professional conduct, disciplinary processes, and the protection of animal welfare and public confidence in veterinary services.

Whilst this framework has provided a stable regulatory foundation, it largely reflects a traditional model of veterinary practice rather than a modern veterinary workforce including expanded roles, new service delivery models, and demand for flexible risk-based regulatory approaches. As a result, there is a growing need to ensure the framework continues to support safe, high-quality care while enabling innovation, workforce sustainability and improved access to services across NSW.

Key questions supplied by DPIRD you may consider as part of your feedback

Reform Theme 1 – Greater access to veterinary care across NSW

1a. Do you support the licensing of mobile and telehealth services in line with a Standard established by the Board?
1b. What are some of the minimum standards which should apply to telehealth services to safeguard animal health and complement existing veterinary practices?
1c. Are there any other factors to consider when permitting persons who are not registered veterinarians to perform restricted acts of veterinary science?

Reform Theme 2 – Increase workforce capacity

2a. Do you support the proposed approach to establish registration for veterinary nurses and technologists?
2b. Are there additional implementation/transitional issues that should be considered?

Reform Theme 3 – Protecting the mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary workforce

3a. Do you support enabling a modern, risk-based approach to complaints management?
3b. Are there any other ways the regulatory framework should support the mental health of veterinary practitioners outside of the complaints process?

Reform Theme 4 – Implement clear, risk-based regulation

4a. What implementation/ transitional factors should be considered when establishing a licensing framework for veterinary practices/ other veterinary services businesses?
4b. How could the Board’s membership better reflect modern veterinary practice?

Reform Theme 5 – Modernise regulatory settings

5a. Do you support streamlining the registration categories for veterinarians in line with other jurisdictions? What issues should be considered?
5b. Do you support extending the code of conduct framework to all registered persons and license holders of veterinary premises?
5c. In establishing a contemporary fees and charges framework, what safeguards or considerations should be included to ensure the framework remains fair, proportionate and sustainable?

Find out more information at the DPIRD website here.