Advocacy and Policy Update October/November 2023

07 Dec 2023

 

Key policy activities

Five policies have been to member comment and Decision Point, which is Policy Advisory Council’s (PAC) second meeting of the year (online) to vote on policy progression. These will go to the Board in the early new year.

PAC currently has 20 working Groups, focusing on updating older policies and those where the science is rapidly changing.  You can review the full list and status of AVA policies here.

Key advocacy activities (National):

In the last two months the AVA has updated some key resources to keep the profession informed around

Value of the profession

Ensuring veterinary technical input to national processes.
  • Standards Australia, the organisation that develops certain voluntary standards, is undertaking an update of pet food standards and microchip standards. The AVA is well represented on both of the technical committees that are undertaking this work.
  • The Pet Food Standard AS5812 has been to public consultation and is now in its final stages before publication. A huge note of thanks goes to Dr Linda Fleeman and Dr Sue Foster for their time, effort and amazing technical expertise provided into this review.
  • AVA policy and technical representation is being provided into the development of National Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines, with the current focus on Standards for Livestock at Processing Facilities. Standards in this context are intended to be mandatory and ultimately become part of the animal welfare legislation in states and territories.
  • AVA policy and technical representation is also being provided into the update of the AUSVETPLAN Humane Destruction Operational Manual - which is used in the event of emergency animal disease outbreaks. This is close to completion, expected early 2024.
  • AVA technical representation has been provided to assist with the response to the current feline vaccine shortage, including provision of advice to veterinarians, and to state & territory government authorities who enforce the vaccine requirements for boarding establishments.
  • Australian Veterinary Antimicrobial Stewardship (AVAMS) conference - AVA was a sponsor and part of the steering committee for the recent AVAMS conference on the Gold Coast. The conference was a huge success, bringing together Australian and international experts in animal and human health, to discuss research and development of initiatives around antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance.  More information and the program of events can be found here.
  • The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) recently released a policy position paper on securing the future of health in Australia. As a member of ACCI the AVA welcomed the opportunity to advocate for animal health to be included in the paper. We are very pleased the ACCI has included the importance of animal health and the concept of the ‘One Health’ paradigm. Read more here
Workforce sustainability and wellbeing
  • During Veterinary Nurse and Technician Awareness Week it was a timely opportunity to reaffirm our calls for regulation to be extended to these key members of the veterinary team.  

“The existing frameworks only regulate veterinarians, not veterinary paraprofessionals like veterinary nurses and technicians. This is limiting the capacity of the workforce and efficiency of the veterinary team,” said AVA President, Dr Diana Barker. 

Veterinarians are obliged to provide after-hours services at their practices or access to after-hours services, depending on the state or territory in which they work. Veterinary services delivered after-hours are often performed solo or with very minimal staff, and veterinary practice employers have both a legal and moral obligation to ensure adequate safety for their employees, which can be challenging for many practices when providing after-hours services.

There are financial, reputational and mental health costs and considerations that impact on the operational business of a veterinary practice to address and mitigate these risks. Some risk mitigation strategies can be found here.

 

Key advocacy activities (Divisions):

ACT
  • The ACT Division Committee reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed new codes of practice for the:
    • Code of practice for the Welfare of Poultry (non-commercial)
    • Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats

In memory of the 2003 Canberra bushfires, the AVA has compiled veterinarians' stories of their experiences in the bushfires to share with the next generation and capture the lessons learnt for future planning and advocacy.

  • AVA collecting data on tick paralysis cases in ACT and surrounding regions

ACT Tick Survey is designed to compile and provide continuous insight into the frequency of tick paralysis cases across the Canberra region.

VIC
  • Consultation on Victorian Domestic Animals Regulations 2015 Sunset Review - The Domestic Animal Regulations 2015 (current regulations) will be sunsetting on 23 November 2025. The Victorian division will be making a submission and welcomes member engagement on this.
  • Pig welfare in Victoria - The Economy and Infrastructure Committee of the Victorian legislative council are undertaking an  inquiry into farmed pig welfare in Victoria. The AVA is a key stakeholder in the inquiry and has been invited to express views on any aspects of this inquiry in a submission. The Victorian Division will be working with the Australian Pig Veterinarians Special Interest Group to prepare this.
  • Victoria division involvement in disaster preparedness - Victorian Division holds a committee position on the Victorian Animal Emergency Committee and continues to work with them around disaster preparedness  and communications that are currently occurring in preparation for bushfire season.
  • Additional contribution to the emergency management of wildlife via a number of committee positions.
  • The Victorian Division contributed to Victoria’s biosecurity roundtable which involved 7 workshops over 2 days.
  • The AVA remains a key stakeholder for the Animal Care and Protection Bill, via workshops held in October.
  • The Victorian Division met with the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria talking mainly about the workforce crisis and how best to collaborate to assist with solutions.
    Board of Victoria
TAS
  • The Tasmanian Division Conference occurred on 28/29 October with 2 streams, trade display and a fantastic ‘Barbie’ themed gala dinner.
NSW

Dr Zach Lederhose, President of the AVA NSW Division and Dr Anne Quain, a member of the AVA NSW Division Committee represented the AVA at the NSW parliamentary inquiry into pounds in New South Wales. They discussed the AVA submission which talked to the fact that veterinary practices are often the first point of contact for people who find stray dogs, cats, or unwanted litters, and there are significant issues in management of these animals particularly where councils are not collaborating well with veterinary practices.

·       NSW Draft Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulation.

The AVA have identified several issues in the draft regulation that would have significant implications for veterinarians. Currently the AVA are consulting broadly to inform our response and shortly will circulate information to encouraging and supporting AVA members to place individual submissions on the various identified issues.

The Australian Veterinary Association supports the primary thrust of the proposed amendments to the Kosciuszko National Park Wild Horse Management Plan 2021 (KWHMP 2021), as they align with our policy on the control of feral horses and other Equidae.

  • The AVA is reaching out to the Small Business Commissions across all jurisdictions to engage them in discussions around the challenges facing the veterinary profession – which is significantly comprised of small businesses.
    • The meetings focus on some of the key issues that impact the veterinary industry, including:
      • Management of strays (costs to veterinary practices and issues with pounds)
      • The requirement to provide after-hours services and the associated issues (besides the issues outlined in our previous representations, noting no other industry including health services are required to provide after-hours)
      • Funding for veterinary care to disaster impacted animals (owned & wildlife)
      • All the other pro-bono/reduced costs services provided by veterinary practices (it’s an extensive list and AVA are about to conduct research on this)And how all the above impacts on workforce and mental health.

AVA team members and committee members met with with the NSW Small Business Commission to discuss the Commission’s priorities and contribute to informing government small business policy development.

  • Meetings with:
    • Mr Kevin Anderson, MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Gaming and Racing
    • NSW Department of Primary Industries x 6
    • NSW Chief Veterinary Officer – Dr Jo Coombe
QLD
  • Stronger dog laws

The AVA continues to participate in engagement groups and consultation with the Queensland government as changes to legislation regarding Stronger Dog Laws progress.

  • Small Business Commission meeting

The AVA is reaching out to the Small Business Commissions across all jurisdictions to engage them in discussions around the challenges facing the veterinary profession – which is significantly comprised of small businesses.

A meeting was held in November with the Queensland Small Business Commission (QSBC) which was very productive with the depth, extend and complexities of the veterinary profession’s challenges being conveyed and appreciated.

Following this meeting, the QSBC Director provided a comprehensive report to the Minister for Small Business, which included the challenges faced by veterinary practices who operate as small businesses. Attention was drawn to legislation that is not fit for purpose in contemporary veterinary practice and contributes to veterinary teams’ reduced productivity and negative wellness impacts.

A meeting with the QLD Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb, is scheduled for December to discuss these matters further.

SA
  • New Vet Services legislation in SA
    In late November, the final day of sitting for the year, the SA Parliament passed the Veterinary Services Bill. This is the most significant milestone in the review of the legislation that began in 2020. The AVA is delighted to see the Parliament pass this Act.
WA
  • Small Business Development Commission meeting

The AVA also met with the WA Small Business Development Commission which was very productive with the depth, extend and complexities of the veterinary profession’s challenges being conveyed and appreciated.

  • AVA advocacy stand at WA Division Conference

An AVA advocacy stand was included in the WA Division Conference Trade Exhibition. The AVA’s work to support members was showcased and delegates at the conference had the opportunity to learn more about what the AVA is doing in WA to champion our profession. Thanks to incoming WA Division President, Dr Katie Kreutz, for all her work in organising and manning the stand.

The AVA provided a submission to the WA Government on the development of regulations relating to the sterilisation of dogs, pet shops, dog supply approval, approval to breed, microchipping and dog registrations.

This information will help inform the development of draft regulations, the specifications and functionality needed in the Central Registry System (CRS) and resources needed by local government to implement and enforce the legislative requirements.

The AVA’s submission focussed on the need for veterinarians to be consulted where animal health or welfare issues are involved in the development or application of regulations. We are advocating for appropriate remuneration when veterinary services are provided for the public-good, such as recording sterilisation information on a CRS or attending to unowned or stray animals. The submission also provided comprehensive guidance on standards for breeders and pet shops, based on the AVA’s policies in these areas.

NT

The afterhours piece outlined above was driven by the NT and their desire to understand what risk mitigation strategies they are undertaking for their staff attending afterhours calls.

  • Small Business support

In response to the AVA’s contact, the NT DITT has provided information relating to business, industry and workforce development services.  They have a number of programs, including Business Growth and Biz Secure, for which individual veterinary practices would be eligible to access for support in the operation of a business enterprise. To review the funding support available, please refer to the following site: https://nt.gov.au/industry/business-grants-funding

They have also advised that counselling and support services are also provided by the Rural Business Support organisation. Further details about RBS can be found at: https://www.ruralbusinesssupport.org.au/

 

Key advocacy activities (Special Interest Groups):

Veterinary Business Group
  • In October, Michael Ferguson, a committee member of the Veterinary Business Group (VBG), served as VBG's representative during a meeting with the NSW Small Business Commission.
Australian Greyhound Working & Sporting Dog Veterinarians
  • The Senate Committee overseeing the inquiry into proposed legislation to ban Export / Import of Greyhounds, including reproductive genetic material, which the AVA made a submission to in July reported their findings in October. In summary, in a majority decision, the Committee recommends that the proposed ban is not supported by the Senate. In the Report, the Committee emphasised how important it is that industry participants and regulators work together to ensure that greyhound welfare is paramount in all decision making. In addition, that veterinarians are central participants in that decision making.
Equine Veterinarians Australia
  • The EVA made a recommendation to the Hon. Fiona Nash, for her Regional Education Commissioner’s Annual Report that included the severe shortage of veterinarians in Regional Australia. The contribution emphasised the support for ‘work integrated learning’ to make sure students are exposed to the benefits of rural and regional veterinary practice. Many veterinary students cannot afford to undertake significant ‘work integrated learning’ in regional areas, due to the costs associated with this.
  • The EVA contributed to the AVA submission to the NSW Inquiry into proposed aerial shooting of brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park.
Production Animal Special Interest Groups
  • Meetings continue around the country regarding EAD preparedness and the AVA is participating in many of these.
  • In October, the Sheep, Goat and Camelid Veterinarians special interest group (SCGV) attended the Sheep Sustainability Framework Consultative Committee meeting. The Framework is led by Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) and Wool Producers Australia (WPA) with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) providing funding and secretariat support. The framework monitors and measures industry performance against identified priorities and informs planning, management and evaluation of activities at an industry level. SCGV deems it vital to have a seat at the table and actively engage in these discussions.
  • The biannual AVA and Live Animal Export Regulatory Meeting was held in November. The role of this meeting is to provide a forum to address emerging and strategic issues affecting the roles and responsibilities of accredited veterinarians (AAVs) in ensuring the health and welfare of livestock exports.
  • The draft Australian Standards for Export of Livestock version 3.3 was released and reviewed by the AAV Sub-committee.
  • Stage two consultation phase of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System Review was distributed to the AAV Sub-committee for review.
Australian Veterinarians for Animal Welfare and Ethics/Australian Veterinary Conservation Biology Group

THRIVE Update

The THRIVE Cultivating Safe Teams pilot program has successfully been delivered to 19 of our 50 veterinary workplaces, with 210 veterinary team members receiving the one-hour psychological health and safety awareness training to date. A stakeholder discussion to review program outcomes will be held on the 12th of December.

Planning is well underway for our 2nd Veterinary Wellness Symposium, to be held on the 27th of May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, just ahead of the AVA National Conference. Together with our keynote presenters, and panelists, The Veterinary Wellness Steering Group will be leading interactive discussions and group activities that focus on our wellness pillars; promote, prevent, protect.

Wellness resources have been updated on our THRIVE website pages, including the industry specific Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework which is available for all members of the veterinary community.
 
The framework aims to support individuals, workplaces, and organisations to implement mental health and wellbeing strategies that positively impact mental health outcomes for all veterinary team members.

It highlights the importance of an integrated approach to wellness - Preventing harm from psychosocial hazards in the industry, Promoting strengths, capabilities and the rewards of work, and Protecting us when we experience stress and mental ill-health.

External Stakeholder Engagement

During October and November, the AVA Veterinary Policy and Advocacy team continued to participate in a wide range of external stakeholder meetings. Year to date, at the end of November, the AVA has participated in around 400 external stakeholder meetings.

As always, we welcome any feedback you have around our updates - please email publicvetaffairs@ava.com.au. We encourage you to read more about AVA Veterinary Policy and Advocacy here.  As always We encourage you to get involved to provide input into activities the AVA is commenting on or undertaking.

It’s been a busy year for the profession, and we wish you and your families a safe and happy festive season.

Best Wishes,

Cristy Secombe, Graham Pratt, Melanie Latter, Monika Cole and Jeffrey Wilkinson, on behalf of the Veterinary Policy and Advocacy  team and the Special Interest Groups team.