The AVA has lodged a submission to the review of the South Australian Government’s suicide prevention framework, calling for stronger recognition of veterinary professionals as a workforce at increased risk of psychological distress and suicide-related harm.
In its submission to the review of the SA Suicide Prevention Plan, the AVA welcomes the proposed focus on prevention, wellbeing, early intervention, community participation and addressing the social determinants of mental health. The AVA notes that many of these factors are highly relevant to veterinary professionals, who commonly experience workforce shortages, excessive workloads, financial pressures, client aggression, moral distress and exposure to trauma throughout their careers.
A key recommendation of the submission is the formal recognition of veterinary professionals as a priority occupational group within future suicide prevention initiatives. The AVA highlights evidence showing elevated levels of psychological distress, burnout and suicide risk within the profession and argues that targeted support is needed to address the unique challenges faced by veterinary teams.
The submission also calls for greater investment in profession-specific mental health and suicide prevention services, improved support for veterinary students, early-career veterinarians and rural practitioners, and stronger workplace-based approaches to psychological safety and wellbeing. Existing AVA wellbeing initiatives, including Cultivating Safe Teams, Great Veterinary Workplaces and the Graduate Mentor Program, are identified as examples of evidence-informed programs that could be further supported and expanded.
The AVA further encourages governments to strengthen data collection and monitoring of occupation-specific suicide risk, improve access to tailored mental health support, and ensure future prevention initiatives recognise the diverse experiences of veterinary professionals, including those who face additional barriers due to disability, neurodivergence, cultural background, geographic location or other intersecting factors.
The submission reinforces the AVA’s long-standing advocacy for mentally healthy, psychologically safe veterinary workplaces and highlights the important role governments, employers, universities, regulators, professional bodies and mental health services all play in supporting veterinary wellbeing.
