I contribute to debate in support of the Veterinary Services Amendment Bill 2026, which represents an important step towards modernising veterinary services in New South Wales, strengthening professional accountability and recognising the valuable contribution of the veterinary workforce to our communities. At its heart, this bill acknowledges that the delivery of quality veterinary care depends upon a team of skilled and dedicated professionals, each contributing their expertise to animal health, welfare and public confidence. However, it does not address the veterinary technologists—people who have a four‑year bachelor degree.
The recognition of veterinary technologists and veterinary nurses, whose contributions have long been integral to the effective operation of veterinary practices across New South Wales, is of particular importance. These professionals provide essential clinical, technical and practical support, assisting veterinarians with animal care, monitoring, treatment, surgical procedures and the day‑to‑day delivery of those services. Their work demands considerable knowledge, compassion and professional responsibility. Recognising their roles within the legislative framework is both appropriate and necessary for implementing the objectives of the bill.
This recognition must also be accompanied by clear professional boundaries, appropriate supervision and an understanding of the respective responsibilities of veterinarians, veterinary technologists and veterinary nurses. The objective is not to diminish the role of registered veterinarians, but rather to recognise the complementary skills of the broader veterinary workforce while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and clinical accountability. The bill also seeks to clarify the responsibilities of veterinary superintendents, particularly in relation to the oversight and accountability of veterinary businesses operating from nominated premises. Today we see increased movement away from veterinarians owning those businesses to big corporations, which should be looked at.
Clear lines of responsibility are fundamental to effective operation of the bill and the remit of the veterinary services board as constituted. Veterinary superintendents must understand their obligations, including the appropriate oversight of professional standards, clinical practices and compliance with regulatory requirements. Equally, the legislation should provide certainty about the extent of these responsibilities, ensuring that accountability is proportionate, practical and clearly defined. I also support the provisions in the amendments to the bill addressing registration and licensing arrangements, together with the delivery of veterinary services through telehealth and veterinary vehicles.
As previous speakers in this debate said, often in rural areas it is very difficult to get there and telehealth will be a great amendment. These reforms acknowledge that veterinary practice is evolving and that traditional, fixed‑premises models are not always sufficient to meet the needs of contemporary communities. Mobile veterinary services and telehealth can improve accessibility, particularly for residents in regional and rural New South Wales, where distance, workforce shortages and limited service availability can create significant barriers to veterinary care. For livestock producers, equine owners, companion animal owners and farming families, timely access to veterinary advice and treatment is essential. However, flexibility must never come at the expense of professional standards.
Appropriate safeguards, clinical judgement and clear regulatory obligations remain necessary to protect animal welfare and maintain public trust. Therefore, I will move some amendments. I particularly support provisions enabling the veterinary services board to reduce or waive relevant fees associated with veterinary services in regional areas. Regional veterinary practices face challenges that are often less pronounced in metropolitan communities, including substantial travel distances, higher operating costs, difficulties attracting and retaining qualified professionals and the demands of providing essential services across geographically dispersed populations. We must remember that many vets are on call 24 hours a day. Providing flexibility in regulatory fees is a sensible and practical measure that may help to reduce financial pressures and support the sustainability of veterinary services in regional New South Wales. It also recognises the broader contribution of veterinary professionals to agricultural productivity, biosecurity, animal welfare and the economic resilience of regional communities.
Ultimately, the amendments I will move seek to strike an appropriate balance between professional recognition, regulatory accountability and improved access to essential services. I know that many of these things can be done by regulations, but I would really like to see them in legislation. I know that both the Government and Opposition will use their legislative counsel to put amendments through. As an Independent, I do not have that privilege so I certainly will be moving my amendments at a later stage. I commend the veterinary professionals, nurses, technologists and support staff who serve our communities with such dedication, often under very demanding circumstances. Their contribution deserves recognition, their responsibilities deserve clarity, and their communities deserve accessible, high-quality veterinary care. For those reasons, I will move some amendments. I commend the bill and those amendments to the House.
https://youtu.be/XMaUjR3X-wE