With the federal election campaign at its halfway mark, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is calling on all political parties to recognise and invest in the veterinary profession - a profession that plays an essential role in protecting Australia's public health, economic strength, and the wellbeing of communities across the country.
AVA President Dr Sally Colgan said that veterinarians are essential to the systems Australians rely on every day - from the health of pets and livestock to the safety of our food and the strength of our biosecurity and agricultural industries.
"Funding to support veterinarians and investment in veterinary students is an investment in Australia's future," Dr Colgan said.
Veterinarians deliver essential services across Australia, including:
- Supporting the 69% of Australian households with pets (16 million Australian pet owners) and a $33.2 billion pet care industry
- Supporting food security for 26 million Australians
- The veterinary industry directly contributes more than $5.6 billion to the national economy annually and supports livestock disposals and products worth $32.2bn
- Around 15,000 veterinarians serve across all states and territories, including many in rural and regional communities
- Vets are frontline responders in public health, biosecurity, and emergency animal disease preparedness
Australia is in its eighth year of a veterinary workforce shortage. There are critical shortages in both pet care and agricultural support - in New South Wales alone, 55% of veterinary vacancies remain unfilled for more than 12 months, increasing pressure on remaining staff and animal care.
The AVA is seeking election commitments from both political parties that acknowledge the urgency of addressing Australia's veterinary shortage.
"We are seeking tangible policy responses to the challenges facing our profession," Dr Colgan said. "Funding and investment commitments will help build a thriving veterinary profession - one that can continue to protect our animals, safeguard our agricultural systems, support the health and wellbeing of communities across the country and contribute to our economy. This will help create a vibrant future for veterinary professionals and the people and industries who rely on them."
With less than 3 weeks remaining until election day, the AVA is urging candidates across the political spectrum to prioritise veterinary workforce sustainability and commit to funding that will help to secure the veterinary profession's ability to protect the nation's animals, agriculture, economy, and public health.
