Making veterinary services more economically sustainable and accessible
The veterinary profession contributes a great deal to society. As one example, members of the profession bear significant economic costs in maintaining animal health and welfare for the overall community, particularly through provision of “in kind” labour. A natural result of under-investment in labour is prolonged inadequate remuneration for highly skilled work. This environment leads to staff shortages. Evidence shows that these shortages in the veterinary sector are experienced across all cohorts rurally, regionally, in metropolitan areas and amongst early career veterinarians.
Value of veterinarians
To better understand the contribution of the veterinary profession to animal health, welfare, and public health in Australia, the AVA engaged Marsden Jacob Associates (MJA), advisors in economics, public policy, markets and strategy who produced “The value of veterinarians to Australia: Public and private benefits”.