The peak veterinary body has welcomed changes to post-study work rights to address the critical workforce shortage of veterinarians, but warns that more must be done to ensure there are enough veterinarians to support businesses and communities in regional Australia.
The Federal Government will extend post-study work rights for international students that have graduated from an Australian university with eligible veterinary qualifications.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) President, Dr Bronwyn Orr, said the initiative would help ease some pressures on the sector, but must be accompanied by broader reform to deliver a sustainable veterinary workforce.
"We have repeatedly sounded the alarm on the critical veterinary workforce shortage in Australia, which is particularly acute in regional communities," Dr Orr said.
"Vets are vital to the success of the agricultural sector, which contributed $71 billion to the Australian economy in 2020-21.
"Our veterinarians are under intense pressure and if we don't receive immediate support to increase the size and sustainability of the workforce, our profession is at risk of collapse."
Dr Orr urged the Federal Government to implement the AVA's proposal to wipe the HECS debt of new veterinary graduates who live and work in regional Australia.
"The Federal Government has agreed to wipe the HECS debts of doctors and nurse practitioners who live and work in the most remote parts of Australia. It's now time we saw a similar level of support for our veterinarians.
"We know this policy would be highly effective for the veterinary sector. A recent survey of Australia's veterinary students showed that 100% of new graduates would work in a regional or rural practice if their HECS debt were wiped – so there is no reason to delay.
"We look forward to continuing our engagement with the Federal Government on this important policy and supporting our veterinary profession," Dr Orr said.
