Veterinary Services Bill
Background
In December 2020, PIRSA began a review of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 to ensure that the legislation aligns with both the contemporary nature of the veterinary profession and standards expected by users and providers of veterinary services.
Consultation was undertaken during 2020 and 2021 and, following consideration of stakeholder feedback, a draft Veterinary Services Bill 2022 was prepared.
Public consultation
Consultation on the draft Bill was open from 14 December 2022 to 19 February 2023 via YourSAy
View the Veterinary Services Bill Public Consultation Summary Report ().
On 6 July 2023, the Veterinary Services Bill 2023 was introduced to Parliament.
The Bill recognises the changes in veterinary practice and animal care since the current legislation, the Veterinary Practice Act 2003, came into effect. While maintaining important functions from the current legislation, the Bill introduces important changes, which include:
- modernising the Board structure
- supporting the Board’s effective regulation of the veterinary profession through expanded functions including, communication and transparency
- enabling increased flexibility of registration and providing for the registration of veterinary premises
- removing unnecessary offence provisions
- reducing administrative burden wherever possible.
Next steps
Next steps will be determined by the outcomes of the Parliamentary process.