The Minns Labor Government will advance major reforms to modernise the state's veterinary regulatory framework including the professional recognition of veterinary nurses and technicians for the first time, after introducing the Veterinary Services Bill 2026 to the Parliament of NSW.
The legislative reforms are designed to rebuild the essential veterinary services pet owners and farmers need plus address longstanding workforce issues impacting vets and their support workers.
NSW needs a new veterinary regulatory framework because the current Act is more than 20 years old and this Bill modernises the professional settings to better reflect contemporary practices, and the workforce needed to deliver those services.
The Minns Government is addressing the recommendations made by the 2024 Parliamentary inquiry into the NSW veterinary workforce by delivering legislative reforms that kickstart solutions to attract new workers and retain experienced professionals, plus extend service delivery.
For the first time, the Bill acknowledges the important role of mobile vet clinics in regional NSW and sets up a regulatory process for the provision of telehealth services.
The Bill sets clearer rules for how veterinary services are delivered, who can provide them and how they are regulated. In practical terms, the Bill will:
- Register veterinary nurses and approved persons who provide veterinary services, clarifying roles, responsibilities and professional standards
- Licenses all veterinary service businesses, including veterinary practices and veterinary hospitals, and allied animal care businesses
- Allows services to be provided through mobile services and telehealth
- Strengthen oversight of veterinary professionals, businesses and introduce a risk-based complaints system that is fairer and more flexible for both veterinarians and applicants
- Establish a modern Veterinary Services Board, that includes a veterinary nurse representative, with clearer powers to regulate the sector.
The Minns Government's consultation received 236 responses from the veterinary profession, animal welfare organisations, and the community, with 81 per cent supporting the reforms.
The reform package builds on the progress made by the Minns Government in building up the veterinarian workforce by funding 90 scholarships for vet students to study in regional NSW; and a program to attract vet professionals to regional NSW with 47 veterinarians and nurses relocating.
The Bill gives the community confidence that veterinary services are regulated consistently, no matter who provides them or how they are delivered.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The Minns Government's Bill better supports the veterinarians, veterinary nurses and technicians who play a critical role in protecting animal health, caring for pets and livestock, and safeguarding our biosecurity systems.
"These changes support a sustainable veterinary profession and strong animal welfare outcomes.
"These reforms are recognising the important contribution of veterinary nurses and technologists, who for too long have not been appropriately recognised for their professional contribution.
"Our Government is committed to rebuilding the essential services our regional communities need, and we are demonstrating that with a Bill that delivers solutions and benefits for the community.
Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW President, Dr Magdoline Awad said:
"The introduction of this Bill is a welcome and important milestone in modernising the veterinary regulatory framework for NSW.
"The strong support within the profession for these changes was highlighted by the overwhelmingly positive response to the consultation on the reforms. The introduction of this Bill demonstrates a commitment to action and represents a significant step towards improving access to services and supporting a sustainable veterinary workforce across NSW."
Australian Veterinary Association (NSW Division President), Dr Amy Lee said:
"The introduction of this Bill shows the positive commitment being taken by the NSW Government to strengthen the veterinary profession. The Australian Veterinary Association welcomes the step forward NSW has taken to support the mental health and wellbeing of the profession, along with strengthening the delivery of veterinary care across the state."
Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia President, Asha Yeoman said:
"The introduction of registration for veterinary nurses and technologists is a significant step forward for our profession. It recognises the skills, training and expertise veterinary nurses and technologists bring to animal care every day, while ensuring consistent professional standards across the sector.
"These reforms are long overdue and represent an important investment in the future of veterinary services in NSW. By recognising veterinary nurses and technologists as key members of the veterinary workforce, the Government is helping build a stronger, more sustainable profession for the future."
Sophie's Legacy Director and co-founder, Garry Putland said:
"For Sophie's Legacy, this work is deeply personal. We know the pressures facing veterinary professionals can have a real impact on mental health, and we welcome these reforms that prioritise the wellbeing of the workforce.
"These changes are an important step towards building workplaces where veterinary professionals feel valued, supported and able to keep doing the vital work their communities rely on."
