2022 Federal Election
The 2022 election will prove to be one like no other in recent memory. The disruption and economic cost induced by COVID 19 and climate change will weigh heavily on the election narrative. AVA are calling for all candidates, political parties and ultimately the new government to undertake a bold reform agenda to tackle long-term structural issues in the animal health sector that have been accelerated by external and internal market shocks.
The AVA is highlighting this in its Election Platform and seeks commitments from the next Government in supporting:
- Addressing the mental health crisis in the veterinary profession
- Making veterinary services economically sustainable and accessible
- Workforce sustainability of the veterinary profession
- Regulatory reform
- One health
- Access to international markets
- Climate change
It is well understood that animal and human health are interdependent. Standards of animal health and welfare affect human health and safety both positively and negatively. This is recognised through the One Health paradigm, which acknowledges the health threats shared by people, animals and the environment such as zoonotic infectious diseases (e.g. COVID 19), antimicrobial resistance, food safety and security. Further, with pets as family members in almost 70% of Australian homes, the positive impact on human health and wellbeing is a significant public health benefit for most Australians.
Similar to human health care, delivery of modern veterinary care is costly, however, is highly valued by the community, and significantly contributes to the social license of animal industries to operate. It is suffering from marked underinvestment, predominantly around labour investment. This is placing considerable pressure on the wellbeing of veterinarians and on the sustainability of veterinary service provision, which is now well evidenced .
See the Recommendations here.