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Bush vets: 'we can't survive'
17 Nov 2003
Country veterinarians in New South Wales are angry about State Government plans to deregulate some animal health tasks, effectively handing over business to rural merchants and pastoral houses. The proposed Veterinary Practice Bill 2003 would allow the opening of consulting rooms where trainee veterinarians or animal clinicians could dispense drugs and vaccinations. But they would not be allowed to perform animal surgery. Until now, qualified vets have done work such as vaccinating dogs. The legislation also proposes that mulesing and tail docking - not currently performed exclusively by vets - become a veterinary procedure.
The Bill will affect 2,640 registered vets in NSW. Wagga Wagga vet Luisa Blackwood said the legislation threatens to reduce levels of animal care, particularly in regional areas. Jerilderie vet Des McRae said pastoral houses would mainly seek larger customers, so overall veterinary services in the bush could go into a decline.
Shadow Agriculture Minister, Duncan Gay, is seeking to amend the legislation. He said he's concerned the Bill has the potential to remove vets from rural areas as the large companies would be able to cherry-pick and undercut smaller practices.
The Land, 13/11/03.
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