Rural veterinary business Apiam is calling for HECS forgiveness to ease pressure on workforce shortages.
Apiam Managing Director Chris Richards told The Veterinarian that it is time the government took rural veterinary workforce shortages as seriously as those in health and teaching.
“The rural veterinary workforce shortages are not going anywhere as we compete with not only the metro centres but overseas as well,” he said.
“Demand for veterinary services in the regions is booming, largely due to rising population, as well as the growing ‘humanisation’ of pets.”
To contend with the growth in demand, Richards said it is important to retain veterinary talent, not merely attract it.
“To get HECS forgiveness right, it is crucial that we instil a minimum length of time, such as four years, that these graduates have to complete their placements in the regions,” he said.
In a recent AVA survey, veterinary students were asked if they would consider taking a regional/rural veterinary role “within the first five years of graduation to be eligible to have part or all of your HECS debt removed?”
Despite an admittedly small sample size of around 100 students, 100 per cent of respondents said they would consider utilising such a program.
SAM WORRAD