Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions - Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022
What has changed?
The Veterinary Practice Act 2021 (VPA) and first tranche of Veterinary Practice Regulations 2022 came into effect on 18 June 2022. The VPA repealed the existing Veterinary Surgeons Act 1960 (VSA) and Veterinary Surgeons Regulations 1979 (VS Regulations).
Following the VPA’s passage through the Parliament of Western Australia in October 2021, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board of WA developed the first tranche of the Veterinary Practice Regulations. Tranche 1 supports the VPA’s functions but does not significantly change the day-to-day practice of veterinarians and others providing veterinary services in WA.
Tranche 2 of the Veterinary Practice Regulations, which will implement modern practices and support operational requirements of veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and their clients, is now being developed in consultation with industry and with the involvement of the new Veterinary Practice Board.
Who can make a submission?
Anyone can make a written submission using the online submission form on this webpage. Comments received will inform the drafting of the second tranche of the Veterinary Practice Regulations.
How do I make a submission?
To make a submission, complete the online submission form on this webpage. Please ensure you read the consultation paper before submitting your feedback.
If you have any difficulties with your submission, please email VetPracticeRegs@dpird.wa.gov.au for assistance. Note that you must register on the yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au site before you will be able to complete the submission. If you are already registered, just log in before completing the survey.
What should my submission include?
Your submission can include any comments relevant to the consultation. The online submission form provides a structure for your comments based on topics included in the consultation, however you do not have to provide comments against all questions. There are also open text questions for you to include your reasoning for your answers or to provide more feedback.
Can I make a confidential submission?
Yes, submitters who do not wish their name published, or would like their submission to remain confidential, must note this in the online submission form.
If you do not select the confidential option, your submission may be published online after the consultation period has ended, and may also be cited in a publicly available report.
I’m having difficulties making a submission – where can I get help?
To provide a submission, complete the online submission form on this webpage. Please ensure you read the consultation paper before submitting your feedback.
If you have any difficulties with your submission, please email VetPracticeRegs@dpird.wa.gov.au for assistance. Note that you must register on the yoursay.dpird.wa.gov.au site before you can complete the submission. If you are already registered, just log in before completing the survey.
What process is DPIRD following for this consultation?
In early 2022, DPIRD undertook an initial consultation on proposed acts of veterinary medicine and regulatory options for pregnancy testing and spaying of cattle.
DPIRD is consulting further with representative industry organisations on the submissions for pregnancy testing and spaying of cattle to reach an agreed outcome. A consultation report on pregnancy testing and spaying of cattle will be provided once consultation is complete.
In response to other stakeholder feedback from the initial consultation, DPIRD has developed a second consultation paper with additional information on acts of veterinary medicine requiring further industry and community consultation, and other intended key provisions of the Veterinary Practice Regulations.
Once consultation is completed, submissions will be reviewed, and a summary report of outcomes published on this webpage.
How will my submission be used?
The submissions will be analysed and will inform the drafting instructions for the second tranche of the Veterinary Practice Regulations.
How can I get more information?
For more information, you can submit your questions to the Ask a question function on this webpage (you will need to register on the site first) or email VetPracticeRegs@dpird.wa.gov.au.