National recognition of veterinary registration (NRVR)

In conjunction with the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council and the Animal Health Committee, the AVA helped develop a model for national recognition of veterinary registration (NRVR) across Australia. This was agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

NRVR allows veterinarians to move and practise more easily across state borders, and also allow greater competition in veterinary services in line with National Competition Policy. It will allow greater freedom of movement for veterinarians responding to national crises or working for national animal enterprises.

State legislation to enact the model is in the process of being introduced progressively across jurisdictions. In Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia and the ACT, veterinarians residing and registered in another Australian jurisdiction can practise without registering in those states. The final state to adopt this is WA and is expected to be introduced in 2022.