Resolutions

Veterinary Industry

The Legislative Council passed the following resolution to which it desires the concurrence of the House of Assembly:

1. That in the opinion of this council a joint committee be appointed to inquire into and report on the effects of long hours, financial strain, high workload and high pressure on the poor mental health and wellbeing of veterinarians in South Australia, with particular reference to—

(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 culture 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 these 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 other related matter.

2. That, in the event of a joint committee being appointed, the Legislative Council be represented thereon by three members, of whom two shall form a quorum of council members necessary to be present at all sittings of the committee.

3. That members of the committee may participate in the proceedings by way of telephone or video conference or other electronic means and shall be deemed to be present and counted for purposes of a quorum, subject to such means of participation remaining effective and not disadvantaging any member.

4. That this council permits the joint committee to authorise the disclosure or publication, as it thinks fit, of any evidence or documents presented to the committee prior to such evidence being reported to the council.