Regulatory reform

Harmonisation of veterinary legislation

Over past decades, it has been acknowledged that regulatory reform creates significant benefits for economies. There has been a push to harmonise regulations relating to various professions between the States and Territories. This was previously achieved through the Coalition of Australian Governments (COAG).

The veterinary profession continues to operate under different regulations in each State and Territory. The regulatory regime lacks consistency for animal health regulation, reporting and safety, accountability and funding across Australia 

COAG has recently been replaced by the National Cabinet. While this mechanism may be appropriate for dealing with a major pandemic, it is not the correct institutional structure to achieve regulatory harmonisation.

Recommendation 4.1: Harmonisation of veterinary licensing across all jurisdictions in Australia via an inter-governmental committee comprising all Australian Governments, state or territory veterinary boards and the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council.