The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is urging Commonwealth and state governments to recognise veterinarians as an essential service in fuel planning. Nationwide, veterinarians are warning that shortages or rising fuel costs could have serious consequences for animal welfare, emergency care, agricultural production, national biosecurity and disease surveillance, and disaster response involving animals.
The AVA has been proactively advocating to national and jurisdictional governments, including through the National Farmers' Federation and engagement with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's Fuel Critical Incident Team, calling for veterinarians to be included in any fuel access and affordability measures the government is considering.
AVA President Dr Gemma Chuck said veterinary services are critical to maintaining Australia's food systems and animal health, particularly in rural and regional communities.
"Veterinarians are essential to safeguarding animal welfare, supporting farmers and livestock production, and protecting Australia's biosecurity systems," Dr Chuck said.
"Much of our work depends on being able to travel – whether that's responding to emergencies, delivering herd health services, providing critical treatments or administering preventative healthcare. Without reliable and affordable access to fuel, these services are at risk."
The AVA warns that fuel supply disruptions or significant price increases could limit veterinarians' ability to reach farms, properties, clinics, and emergency situations, leading to delays in treatment, poor animal welfare outcomes, and heightened risk of disease transmission.
"If veterinarians can't get to where they are needed, the consequences will be severe – ranging from prolonged animal suffering to delayed detection of serious diseases," Dr Chuck said.
With food-producing animals contributing AU$32.2 billion each year to the national economy (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2024-2025), Dr Chuck adds, "Lack of provision of veterinary services is not solely an animal health issue – it's a national food security, biosecurity and public health issue affecting all Australians, and requires the urgent attention of our policymakers".
The AVA also highlighted the direct impact of fuel affordability on veterinary services, noting that rising fuel costs increases operating expenses, which can flow through to clients and reduce access to care.
"Veterinary practices – especially in rural and regional areas – are heavily reliant on transport of medicines, consumables, equipment and diagnostic samples to deliver a high standard of care. Increased fuel costs will place additional financial pressure on these businesses and their clients who depend on an active and consistent transport supply chain," Dr Chuck said.
The AVA is calling on governments to:
- Recognise veterinarians as an essential service with priority access to fuel supplies during shortages or supply disruptions.
- Consider fuel excise rebates or targeted subsidies for veterinary services, particularly in rural and regional areas.
- Ensure veterinary products—including medicines, equipment, and diagnostics—can be transported to rural and regional areas through special provisions, supporting the continued delivery of essential services.
The AVA will continue to escalate its advocacy through government engagement and ongoing collaboration with industry stakeholders.
