The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has welcomed the latest Senate report on improving Australia’s biosecurity measures and response preparedness.
The report specifically recommends that the Australian Government work with relevant industry bodies to improve the capacity and capability of production animal veterinarians, particularly in rural and remote areas.
AVA Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs Dr Cristy Secombe said the report’s recommendations acknowledge the critical role vets play in detecting and managing biosecurity threats, demonstrating the need for more sector support.
“This report highlights that preserving a robust biosecurity system requires a thriving veterinary community, particularly rurally. Attracting and retaining rural vets is complex and challenging and we welcome the report’s acknowledgement that a coordinated response between government and industry is required to address this issue” Dr Secombe said.
“We look forward to working with the Government to implement these recommendations and improve our biosecurity measures.”
Importantly, this report stresses the need to enhance veterinarian attraction and retention strategies through graduate and rural practice incentives. One of the initiatives to address this is for the Federal Government to wipe the HECS debts of veterinary graduates who live and work in rural and remote areas.
“We have been strenuously advocating for the Federal Government to wipe the HECS debts of new veterinary graduates who live and work in the regions, but we are yet to hear a clear answer. Dr Secombe said.
“If they can do it for doctors, they can do it for veterinarians.”
