The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 has not undergone comprehensive modernisation for many decades. Since it was introduced, veterinary science, technology, workforce models and community expectations have changed significantly.

The review is examining whether the current legislation remains fit for purpose and whether there are opportunities to improve animal welfare, client protection, workforce utilisation, service availability and regulatory efficiency.

This consultation is focused on the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936. The Act establishes the overall regulatory framework for veterinary science in Queensland.

Some proposed changes to the Act may require consequential amendments to the Veterinary Surgeons Regulation 2016 to support the operation of any reforms. If updates to the Regulation are required, stakeholders will be consulted on those changes as part of the regulatory development process.

A Consultation Impact Analysis Statement is a document used by the Queensland Government to explain a regulatory problem, outline potential options for reform and seek stakeholder feedback before decisions are made.

The C-IAS does not represent a final government decision. It is intended to support consultation and help stakeholders understand the proposed reform options and their potential impacts.

The review considers reforms across 6 key topics:

• Veterinary science and acts of veterinary science
• Registration
• Veterinary premises and practices
• Veterinary paraprofessionals
• Compliance and enforcement
• Governance of the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland

For each topic, 3 options have been assessed ranging from maintaining the status quo through to more comprehensive reform.

No. The executive summary provides a high-level overview of the review and the proposed options. Stakeholders can focus on the sections that are most relevant to their interests, experience or business.

You can provide feedback by:

• Completing the online survey on this website
• Emailing a written submission to vsareview@dpi.qld.gov.au
• Posting a written submission to:

Veterinary Surgeons Act Review
Department of Primary Industries
GPO Box 46
Brisbane QLD 4001

You may also contact DPI on 13 25 23 for further information.

No. This survey covers a broad range of issues and you are not expected to answer every question or section. You are welcome to provide feedback on any question or topic, whether you respond to a single question, selected sections, or the entire survey. All feedback is valuable and will be considered as part of the review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

Following consultation, all submissions and feedback will be reviewed and considered by the DPI. Feedback will be used to inform the Decision Impact Analysis Statement and any proposed legislative reforms. 

The DPI understands that individuals and businesses may need time to adapt to any new regulatory requirements. If reforms proceed, appropriate transitional arrangements would be considered to support implementation and minimise unnecessary disruption. Any proposed implementation and transition arrangements would be communicated well in advance of commencement.