Thursday, 10 September 2026

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (13:06): (2623) My question is to the Minister for Mental Health. I met with the Australian Veterinary Association at Parliament this week, and we discussed the shortage of vets, particularly in regional areas – even larger regional centres like Bendigo. It is a highly regarded profession that takes years of study followed by 52 weeks of an unpaid placement program. It is not easy to encourage vets who have trained at Melbourne University to relocate to regional areas. For those who do, we need to support them in their important work. It is a very demanding role and very important in regional areas, an integral role in animal and public health. I understand that 75 per cent of emerging infections in humans are transmitted from animals, so we all benefit when animals are kept in the best of health. Today is R U OK? Day, and I thought it important to highlight the high mental health risks within the veterinary profession. I was very concerned to hear about the personal stories of lives lost. The risk is much higher in the profession, driven by factors including burnout, financial stress and ongoing workforce shortages, particularly in the regions. I ask the minister to outline what mental health support is available for vets working in northern Victoria.