The Parliament of South Australia has appointed a Joint Committee on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in South Australia to inquire into and report on:
a) quantifying the significant economic, social and emotional benefits that veterinary industry brings to society and having this acknowledged by government and industry;
b) measures that can be taken to improve veterinarian retention rates, including incentives for working in rural and regional areas;
c) working conditions, including remuneration, unpaid hours, safe workplace cultural and client conduct standards;
d) measuring and identifying initiatives to prevent the high rates of suicide and burnout among veterinarians, particularly in regional and rural areas;
e) the role played by veterinarians in providing care to lost, stray, and homeless animals and injured wildlife, dealing with emergency situations, and the financial burden incurred by veterinarians in those circumstances;
f) reviewing the roles and responsibilities of veterinary nurses with a view to relieving pressure on veterinarians, as well as the training of veterinary nurses and the related workforce;
g) regulation of veterinary practices, including compliance with psychosocial legislation for the workplace, maximum work hours and after-hours practices;
h) strategies to improve access to veterinary care during a cost-of-living crisis, including pricing transparency, pet insurance, and other support for disadvantaged animal owners;
i) the role of universities in preparing veterinarians for practice and the transition to the workforce; and
j) any related matter.
Any person or organisation wishing to make a submission to the Committee is invited to do so by COB Friday 28 February 2025.
Written submissions addressing the terms of reference above should be directed to the Parliamentary Officer at JCMHWV@parliament.sa.gov.au; or
The Parliamentary Officer
Joint Committee on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in South Australia
GPO Box 572
ADELAIDE SA 5001
All submissions will be made publicly available unless determined otherwise by the Committee.
For any queries, please contact the Parliamentary Officer on (08) 8237 9284 or at the above email address.