The AVA shows up for the veterinary profession at every election. From federal budgets to state campaigns, we engage directly with politicians and candidates to advocate for funding, policy reform and recognition for the work veterinarians do for animals, communities and Australia’s economy.
Below you’ll find our election platforms and budget submissions across federal, state and territory governments. Each one reflects what AVA members told us matters most: workforce sustainability, mental health support, fair funding for public good services and a strong pipeline of future vets.
Veterinarians are an integral part of the fabric of our community. They manage the health and welfare of our livestock that are crucial to our international trade and to the safety and security of our food, and they work in our public health sector on managing disease risks to animals and people alike. They care for the companion animals that are increasingly part of our families.
In the lead-up to the Tasmanian election in July, the AVA has been engaging with key parliamentarians on issues affecting the veterinary profession. Ahead of this Tasmanian election, the AVA is calling on the next State Government to support the following key areas:
1. Veterinary workforce shortages and attracting veterinarians to Tasmania
That the Tasmanian Government:
- Commit funding for analysis of the veterinary workforce needs of Tasmania, especially regional and rural areas.
- Provide veterinarians and veterinary personnel with the same opportunities and support offered to other professions being encouraged to relocate to Tasmania and rural areas.
- Support the development of a National Veterinary Workforce Strategy.
2. Support for veterinary students and recent graduates
That the Tasmanian Government:
- Provide targeted funding to support veterinary students undertaking clinical placements in Tasmania. Specifically, the Government should introduce allowances to cover accommodation and travel costs for students, addressing the financial barriers associated with “placement poverty.”
- Implement an incentive scheme that provides a financial payment to recent graduates who begin their veterinary careers in Tasmania. The incentive could be in two parts, firstly an initial payment that is aimed at supporting the relocation costs incurred by the recent graduate. A second payment would be available once a recent graduate had completed at least five years veterinary practice in Tasmania.
- Advocate to the Australian Government to trial incentives, including waiving HECS debt, to attract and retain veterinary professionals to Tasmania, and particularly in rural and in regional areas.
3. Supporting the public good provided by veterinarians
That the Tasmanian Government:
- As part of its biosecurity funding, commit to increased and targeted investment in veterinary services. This should include enhanced support for surveillance and response activities, as well as the delivery of veterinary services that provide significant public good.
- Assumes responsibility for and financially supports the costs incurred by veterinary practices when treating or caring for Crown-owned wildlife and also unowned or lost animals.
- Establish a disaster response and recovery funding program (similar to NSW) to support the provision of veterinary care to animals impacted in natural disasters
- Supports private veterinary businesses to assist with the cost of delivery of veterinary services to animals in the care of people experiencing vulnerabilities.
4. Mental health support for veterinary professionals
That the Tasmanian Government commit to funding to support THRIVE, the AVA’s wellness initiative, which supports Tasmanian veterinarians and veterinary staff to lead satisfying, prosperous and healthy careers. This includes the expansion of a range of existing programs being undertaken by the AVA for the veterinary profession and implementing new programs under the areas of prevent, promote and protect. These bespoke programs, include:
- Expand the 24/7 AVA Counselling Service
- Cultivating Safe Teams program –Psychological health and safety awareness training sessions for all individuals working in the veterinary profession in Tasmania.
• Mental health first aid for veterinary teams
Government investment in these priorities is crucial to secure the sustainability, resilience, and growth of Tasmania’s veterinary sector.
Following the election, the AVA will engage with key parliamentarians on these priorities, which will form the foundation of our post-election advocacy with the new government.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has identified five urgent priorities to strengthen animal health, biosecurity, public safety, and the wellbeing of Australia’s veterinary workforce. Targeted support in these areas is essential to ensure a sustainable, resilient veterinary sector.
Veterinary services are vital to Australia’s communities and our economy. However, workforce shortages, mental health challenges, and unfunded public good services are stretching the profession. Urgent support is needed for:
- Robust Workforce
A Commitment to Rural Practice Scheme to forgive HECS-HELP debt and expanded rural subsidies to address shortages in regional areas. - Mental Health for Vets
Mental health programs tailored to veterinary professionals to build workforce resilience. - Public Good Services Funding
Financial support for wildlife care, biosecurity, and emergency services. - Training Tomorrow’s Vets
Inclusion of vet students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme and increased funding to secure future veterinarians. - Animal Health & Welfare Standards
A national veterinary antibiotic surveillance system and incentives to strengthen biosecurity and welfare.
Investing in these areas will bolster Australia’s capacity to meet growing needs across animal care, public health, and food security.
Veterinary services help secure Australia’s animal health and livestock supply chain, protecting hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide and easing cost of living pressures through a safe and reliable food supply.
Veterinarians play a vital role in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s pet owners. Through their care, veterinarians help strengthen the human-animal bond, which can positively impact mental health and wellbeing.
In the 2025 Australian federal election, cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, climate action, and economic stability will likely be central issues. Agriculture may see a strong focus on sustainability practices, biosecurity measures to protect local production, and water security. Workforce shortages in rural areas and investment in agricultural infrastructure are also expected to be key concerns.
In the lead up to the election, the AVA is meeting with a range of federal politicians and stakeholders to discuss these priorities and secure the investment needed to assist the veterinary profession to thrive.
See the 2025 Federal Election priorities here.
The AVA WA 2025 Election Priorities form the basis for AVA advocacy leading into the March 2025 election, meetings with key Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and MPs, and future advocacy post the WA election.
The AVA WA Division Committee has identified key priorities and recommendations for the upcoming election and urges the next State Government to support and address the following critical areas:
- Rural and Regional Veterinary Workforce Support
- Support for Veterinary Students
- Supporting the Public Good Provided by Veterinarians
- Mental Health Support for Veterinary Professionals
- Legislative Reviews to Reduce Regulatory Burdens on Veterinarians
AVA Representations
The AVA has submitted the AVA 2025 Western Australia Election Priorities to relevant Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and Parliamentarians to highlight key issues affecting the veterinary profession. We have also requested meetings to discuss these concerns and urge the next State Government to support and address these priorities.
AVA Members Local Representations
The AVA is encouraging WA members to talk to local MPs and candidates about the issues facing the veterinary profession. What you can do:
- Find out who your local candidates are
- Write, email, or call your local candidates
- the more personalised you can make your emails and conversations the better
- pick the issues in the AVA WA election priorities that resonate most with you
- use stories from your personal experience
- keep an eye out when you are out – often candidates will be out meeting with the public. This is a good opportunity to have your say directly with them.