Queensland Vet Technologists and Nurses Need Better Recognition

Topic: Veterinary Medicine

Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:31am

Experts want changes to Queensland laws about veterinary technologists and nurses.

In short:

A review of Queensland's Veterinary Surgeons Act questions how veterinary technologists and nurses are regulated.

Experts say these jobs are under-used due to a lack of formal recognition.

What's next?

The Department of Primary Industries is reviewing the law and talking to stakeholders.

Queensland's veterinary sector may change as the state government reviews old laws.

The review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act questions how the profession is regulated.

Experts say veterinary technologists and nurses are highly skilled but under-used.

Associate Professor Rebekah Scotney says veterinary technologists have many skills and duties.

Associate professor Rebekah Scotney says changes to the law would better use the skills of veterinary technicians.

They have responsibilities from animal care to treating injuries and illnesses.

They assist in anesthesia, radiology, and many clinical techniques and tests on animals.

But the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland says veterinary nurses and technologists are not regulated.

This means they cannot perform veterinary science acts, diagnose conditions, or give drugs without a veterinarian's supervision.

Veterinary technicians have many responsibilities.

The industry wants the duties of veterinary technologists and nurses to be widened and aligned with their qualifications.

A qualification is required to become a veterinary technologist or nurse.

Veterinarians would still have the authority to do complex procedures, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medication.

Dr Scotney says veterinary technologists are limited in what they can do despite their training.

The veterinary industry wants the duties of technologists and nurses to be widened.

Veterinary technologists are not recognized in the law for the level of work they can do.

If they are included in the law, they can better support veterinarians and pets.

The Queensland Government is reviewing the 90-year-old law that regulates qualifications and registration.

Western Australia is the only state to require registering veterinary nurses and technologists.

Navin Prakash says pressure in the sector has increased after COVID-19.

Workforce 'in crisis'

Navin Prakash says pressures in the sector have intensified since COVID-19.

Burnout is a big problem in the industry, with many people leaving.

Degrees are important to get more people into the industry.

Recognition would help reduce the workload of veterinarians and provide better care for animals.

Having skilled technicians in trauma centers and emergencies would elevate patient care.

Dr Patricia Clarke says the workforce is in crisis due to shortages and burnout.

Dr Patricia Clarke says the workforce is in crisis.

The crisis is caused by shortages and burnout, with many staff leaving or suicidal.

We need to use the resources of graduates to function at a higher level.

International momentum is growing, with the UK and Japan regulating veterinary nurses and technologists.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics recognized veterinary technologists as a professional occupation.

The Department of Primary Industries says the profession has evolved dramatically since 1936.

A DPI spokesperson says the review is in the early stages and hearing from stakeholders.

A review of Queensland's Veterinary Surgeons Act is still in the early stages.

Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett says the government wants to ensure the regulation is appropriate.

Vets have a vital role in protecting biosecurity and deserve legislation that's fit for purpose.

Dr Scotney says modernizing the act is essential for the future of the industry.

When we think about pet ownership, it only makes sense to support and grow the industry through legislation.

Fri 15 May 2026 at 5:31am

Fri 15 May 2026 at 6:52am

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