The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) welcomes the release of the Job Skills Australia report 'An Essential Ingredient: The Food Supply Chain Workforce' which highlights the critical role of veterinarians in Australia's food supply chain.
The report is a strong endorsement and recognition of the role of veterinarians in Australia's food supply. "Veterinarians are essential to the health and welfare of production animals, food security, biosecurity, trade access, and productivity of animal industries" AVA President Dr Sally Colgan said.
The 266-page report makes 41 recommendations, 5 of which directly relate to the veterinary workforce.
Dr Colgan said "The veterinary profession has been experiencing an ongoing workforce shortage for over 8 years. At a practical level, this means that Australia does not have the vets it needs to deliver essential veterinary care. "
The AVA's 2025 Federal Election priorities align with the report's recommendations, emphasising the urgency of addressing veterinary workforce shortages and supporting veterinary students. Key recommendations in the report include:
- Including veterinary students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme
- Developing a National Veterinary Workforce Strategy
- Reviewing veterinary nursing skills standards for potential mandatory registration
- Reassessing funding for veterinary science courses to reduce reliance on cross-subsidisation
- Supporting a National Biosecurity Workforce Strategy.
The report's recommendation to include veterinarian students in the Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme mirrors the AVA's work to strengthen and support the veterinary workforce for the benefit of all Australians. Dr Colgan noted, "Placement poverty disproportionately affects veterinary students. Supporting them is critical to sustaining the profession, which is as essential to our communities as healthcare and education."
With over a decade of advocacy for improved veterinary workforce data and planning, the AVA contributed significantly to the report through research and expertise.
The AVA is committed to working with stakeholders to implement these recommendations to ensure the critical role veterinarians fill across our industries and communities, continues. "This report offers a roadmap to help strengthen the veterinary profession and its vital role in Australia's food supply chain," Dr Colgan said.
