Public consultation is now open on the draft Veterinary Services Bill, which is designed to reflect modern veterinary systems.

The draft bill aims to ensure veterinary practice regulation in South Australia is updated to align with contemporary practices, and meets the standards expected by users and providers of veterinary services.

Important changes proposed in the draft Bill include increasing the flexibility of registration of veterinarians, to encourage vets back into the workforce after time away, modernising board structure, supporting effective board functioning through expanded functions regarding communication and transparency, registration of veterinary premises, removing unnecessary offence provisions and administrative burden.

Key functions of the current Veterinary Practice Act 2003, to register and regulate veterinarians and veterinary services will be maintained.

Visit www.yoursay.gov.au/veterinaryservicesact to learn more and provide feedback by February 19.