Regulation of South Australia’s veterinary profession will be modernised for the first time in 20 years to support and encourage the growth and needs of the sector in South Australia.

In a win for pet owners, 912 registered vets, and livestock owners in the state, the new Bill will strengthen regulation of the profession, facilitate return to practice after time away, and ensure veterinary premises meet requirements so they are fit for their intended purpose.

The Veterinary Services Bill 2023 passed through the Parliament of South Australia yesterday, further progressing delivery of the Malinauskas Labor Government’s legislative reform agenda.

Following extensive stakeholder consultation and a review of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003, the new Bill reflects significant changes to the veterinary profession and animal care industry that have occurred over the last two decades.

It also recognises changes in practice models and location, employment type, species serviced, and specialties offered, as well as an increase in mainstream non-veterinary animal care services.

A new requirement for all veterinary premises to be registered is an important inclusion in the legislation, underpinning consumer confidence in the veterinary profession. It also introduces changes intended to support and encourage veterinarians to practice, or return to practising, in our state.

Veterinarians also support the livestock industries, providing advice and investigating, preventing, controlling, and treating disease. This support is crucial in detecting diseases, responding to emergency animal disease incursions and both supporting and protecting valuable domestic and export markets.

Quotes

Attributable to Clare Scriven

The modernisation of this legislation will ensure better communication, transparency, and flexibility, which is important both now and for the future.

The role played by veterinarians is vital to maintaining the health and welfare of our pets and the productivity and growth of our livestock industries, and it’s essential that legislation reflects, guides, and enables that tremendous service.

Providing increased flexibility for veterinarians wishing to return to work after a break is among the features of the new legislation, a key in helping meet the need of the ever-increasing demand in South Australia.