ACT’s medical gas licensing framework - Veterinary Practice exclusion

The AVA played a crucial role in influencing the outcome of the ACT's new regulatory framework for medical gases by providing input and recommendations that highlighted the unique needs of veterinary facilities.

The AVA expressed concerns about the potential burdens that the proposed legislative changes could impose on veterinary hospitals, particularly regarding anaesthetic gas capture and the availability of qualified tradespeople.

In response to these concerns, the ACT Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction amended the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Amendment Regulation 2024 to exclude (at section 4B) medical gas work for veterinary science from the licensing requirements. This decision allows veterinary practices to continue operating without additional restrictions, while still adhering to existing regulatory standards.