The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has reignited its call for the Federal Government to wipe the HECS debts of veterinary graduates who live and work in rural and remote areas.
The call follows the Albanese Government's announcement today that it will wipe the HECS debts of doctors and nurse practitioners who live and work in the most remote parts of Australia.
AVA President Dr Bronwyn Orr said she was pleased to see the Government's announcement today, and asked them to now focus on the veterinary skills shortage in the regions.
"We commend Minister Jason Clare and Minister Mark Butler for their announcement today – it's excellent to see the Government addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the regions," Dr Orr said.
"Now it's time for veterinarians to receive the same kind of support.
"The current skills shortage of vets in the regions is crippling the industry, impacting the agricultural sector and if urgent support is not delivered we may see the rural veterinary workforce collapse.
"We have called on the Albanese Government to commit $19.23 million over four years which would deliver 80 new graduates each year to the regions.
"The Government's HECS forgiveness policy for doctors and nurse practitioners will deliver around 850 medical professionals to the regions every year along – so our ask is quite modest in comparison.
"Further, veterinary graduates study for a similar amount of time as doctors, and graduate with a similar HECS debt, often in the six figure range. Affording the same HECS forgiveness to vets as doctors would be warmly welcomed by our profession.
"We have enjoyed positive engagement with the Albanese Government to date, and we look forward to continuing to engage with them on this important matter."
The skills shortage has plagued the veterinary industry for years. In 2021 AVA conducted a Workforce Survey which revealed that 31 per cent of practices advertising for vets are taking 12 months or longer to fill vacancies.
