About the Board


About the ACT Veterinary Board

The ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board aims to protect the health and wellbeing of animals and the public. The Board's responsibilities include:

  • overseeing the Veterinary Practice Act 2018
  • registering qualified vets and specialists to practise in the ACT
  • providing relevant, accurate and up-to-date advice to the public and vets
  • considering complaints against registered vets or specialists
  • monitoring the conduct of the profession in the ACT.

What we don’t do

We don’t do the following but where possible we have suggested options for such enquiries:

  • Give you veterinary advice. A veterinarian who knows you and your animal is your best source for veterinary advice.  You can use our website to search for a veterinarian if you do not have one.
  • Recommend a particular veterinarian or veterinary practice. You can use our find a registered veterinarian or veterinary premises to find a Practitioner by name or Premises in your area.
  • Get access to your animal’s veterinary records. Veterinary records are the property of the veterinarian or hospital and release of these records to clients is at the discretion of the veterinarian or hospital.
  • Manage complaints about what you have been charged or billing.  You can make a complaint to the ACT Human Rights Commission who is able to assist the parties to the complaint to try to resolve the complaint through conciliation.

Please note that the ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board has no power under the Veterinary Practice Act 2018 to assess complaints that relate to charges for veterinary professional fees, medicines or products. In addition, the Board has no power under the VP Act to order Veterinary practitioners to pay compensation to any party.

Board members

The Board has 7 members appointed by the Minister: the President, 4 registered vets and 2 non-vet members, including a community spokesperson.

Board members are required to sign the conflict of interest when they are appointed. They must also declare any conflicts of interest. This ensures they behave ethically, honestly and with integrity at all times.

Current Board vacancies will be advertised on this page.

Current board members

Head and shoulder photo of Bruce Smith

President

Dr Bruce Smith

Dr Bruce Smith is a specialist small animal surgeon with over 30 years’ experience in private referral practice, specialist training programs and university clinical leadership. He was appointed to the ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board in 2025 as President. He represents the Board on the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC).

Dr Smith holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, a Master of Science, specialist qualifications in small animal surgery, a diploma in veterinary practice management, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has served on the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Sydney Metropolitan Practitioners Branch, the Surgery Chapter Executive & Examination & Standards Committee and Council of the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS). He was Clinical Director of the UQ Veterinary Teaching Hospitals from 2019 to 2022. He has previously contributed to the AVBC Sustainable Practice Committee and is a current member of the AVA Veterinary Wellness Steering Committee. His regulatory interests focus on promoting adaptive, ethical, and sustainable veterinary practice through effective governance.

Head and shoulder photo of Amanda-Lee holding a dog

Deputy President

Dr Amanda-Lee Charman

Amanda-Lee started her career in mixed practice before moving into small animals. She locumed in the ACT for a few years before buying into a small animal clinic.

She has been heavily involved with the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) where she has been president of the ACT Division, served as a committee member and has been on the policy council. She is a passionate advocate for the longevity of the profession and for those that work within it. She has completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Science through Massey University and is currently completing her Positive Psychology Certificate through Pennsylvania University USA. She is also a current Charles Sturt University Academic, teaching and coordinating both 2nd year subjects and Final year rotations.

Members

Head and shoulders photo of Dr Sam

Dr Sam Kopra

Sam graduated from James Cook University in 2016 and began her career in emergency and small animal practice in Queensland.

Since relocating to Canberra in 2020, she has worked in regulatory and policy roles with the Department of Agriculture and at an industry body, contributing to animal health initiatives.

More recently, Sam has returned to her clinical roots and now serves as the Veterinary Director of a small animal clinic. Here she leads a dedicated team and is passionate about fostering a supportive, sustainable workplace culture. Sam is committed to mentoring early-career vets and helping shape a future where veterinary professionals can thrive both personally and professionally.

Head and shoulder photo of Dr Eleanor Hall

Dr Eleanor Hall

Eleanor spent three years in practice in the UK before moving to Canberra in 2015 where she continues to work as a small animal vet, part-time.  She also works as a Registered Nurse part-time and is studying for a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) at the University of Canberra.  Eleanor has a particular interest in the physical, mental and emotional well-being of all those involved in the veterinary profession.

Head and shoulder photo of Dr Rachael Dickie holding a dog

Dr Rachael Dickie

Rachael graduated from the University of Melbourne and has worked as an associate, locum and lead vet across much of Australia. Her work for the last 14 years has encompassed both small animal and mixed practice in rural, regional and metropolitan areas. Her unwavering passion for the industry and those working within it led her to her current role outside of the consult room. Here she coaches and mentors the next generation of veterinary leaders, while helping shape the future of the corporate landscape through her role as General Manager of Clinical Excellence. With a focus on sustainability and longevity in the profession, Rachael strives to create a space and pathway for all veterinarians to thrive.

Community representative

Image of Adjunct Professor John G Kelly AM

Adjunct Professor John G Kelly AM

John has worked in the healthcare sector for the past 40 years in a variety of roles at a national level. His work has provided a broad exposure to public and private healthcare delivery in remote, regional and urban settings; in community based care delivery; and, in aged care.

As a lawyer, he has chaired Codes of Conduct committees for both Medicines Australia and Medical Technology Association of Australia. John has had extensive experience working with the nursing and midwifery professions on complaints with conduct matters, and supporting those with impairment issues. He has been active internationally as a Council Member of the International Council of Nurses and Vice President of the World Heart Federation.

Additionally, John has served on a number of Boards of charities, including as Chair of The Smith Family, UnitingCare Ageing (NSW and ACT), the NSW Nursing & Midwifery Council and the Royal College of Nursing, Australia. More recently, John has focussed on workforce issues (shortages, recruitment and retention strategies), training requirements, standard setting and the accreditation of programmes in RTO, TAFE and university settings. John’s board work includes a particular focus on governance and risk.

Non-vet member

Head and shoulder photo of Dr Kate Chetty

Dr Kate Chetty

Dr Kate Chetty was appointed to the Board as the non-veterinary practitioner member in May 2023.  She is a lawyer working as the Director of the Office of the Chief Counsel in the Department of Defence, where she advises on strategic legal matters, personnel management issues, and complex legislative reform.  She holds a PhD in constitutional law and human rights.

Kate contributes to government, academia and thought leadership through several other roles. Kate is a Squadron Leader in the Royal Australian Air Force Reserves and provides advice on operational and intelligence law.  She is a council member of the Australian Dispute Resolution Advisory Council and a member of the Governing Board of the ACT Cemeteries and Crematoria Authority.  For over a decade Kate worked as a sessional academic at the University of Canberra, including as a lecturer, unit convenor and post graduate research supervisor.  She is an active volunteer in her local c

Secretariat

  • Registrar: Mr Phil Gritti
  • Director, Boards and Committees: Ms Erin Barker
  • Business Coordinator: Ms Kayla Grannall

Board meeting

Meeting dates

The remaining Board meeting dates for 2026 are as follows:

  • 27 February 2026
  • 27 March 2026
  • 24 April 2026
  • 29 May 2026
  • 26 June 2026
  • 31 July 2026
  • 28 August 2026
  • 25 September 2026
  • 29 October 2026
  • 30 October 2026
  • 27 November 2026

Veterinary Practitioners Board meeting summaries

2026 Board meeting summaries

    Date and Time Meeting summary
    16 January 2026
    9:30am

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given. New Board Member, Professor John Kelly, was introduced.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Actions arising register

    • The Secretariat provided a verbal update on the progress of items listed on the Actions Arising Register.

    4. Risk register

    • The Board reviewed the "Failure to comply with legislation" risk category.

    5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

    • The Board undertook a high-level review of policies relating to emergency and after-hours care and agreed that a review is required. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Veterinary profession was discussed. It was agreed that the Board would commence drafting a policy based on the use of AI, specifically for record keeping in the Veterinary setting.

    6. Registrations

    • The Board reviewed and approved 15 applications for Standard Practitioner registration.

    7. Complaints

    • The Board considered four (4) complaints.

    8. Other business

    • Dr Smith provided a brief verbal update on AVBC matters. The Board discussed Tasmania's Veterinary Attraction and Retention Package (VARP).
    24 February 2026
    9:30am

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Actions arising register

    • The Board reviewed the outstanding items on the Actions Arising Register and discussed their current status and progress.

    4. Risk register

    • The Board reviewed the "Business Systems and Processes" category.

    5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

    • Dr Smith provided a verbal update on the Policy Review Working Group’s progress, noting that their primary focus is reviewing policies related to after‑hours care, emergency responses, and continuity of care.

    6. Registrations

    • The Board reviewed 8 applications for Standard Practitioner registration including 5 new graduates.

    7. Complaints

    • Nil complaints reviewed/considered.

    8. Other business

    • The Board reviewed and noted the finance reports for December 2025 and January 2026. Dr Smith provided a brief verbal update on AVBC matters. The Board discussed the current Premises Inspection process. The Board agreed to hold a Planning Day in May 2026. The Board considered the distribution of two stakeholder‑requested surveys. The Board discussed responses from the ACT VPB Practitioner Engagement Survey 2025–26. The Registrar provided a verbal update on the work of the National Veterinary Workforce Data Taskforce.
    27 March 2026
    9:30am

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Actions arising register

    • The Board reviewed the Actions Register. A verbal update was provided on the listed items: Complaints vs Concerns Pathway; ICT support to identify an appropriate registrations system for the Board.

    4. Risk register

    • The Board discussed the Stakeholder Management category and the recently updated Business Systems and Processes.

    5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

    • Dr Smith outlined a proposed approach for progressing the review of policies relating to emergency and after-hours care.

    6. Registrations

    • The Board reviewed four applications for standard practitioner registration; One application for premises change of business name and location; and approved an application for Premises registration.

    7. Complaints

    • The Board considered two complaints and discussed the in-meeting complaint deliberation process.

    8. Other business

    • The Board discussed the listed items: Updated Premises Inspection concept; BAER testing in the ACT; 2026 Board strategy and planning day.
    24 April 2026
    10:00am

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Actions arising register

    • The Board noted the completed and outstanding items on the Actions Register.

    4. Risk register

    • The Board discussed the Finance risk category.

    5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

    • Dr Smith briefed members on the drafted BAER testing guidance that has been added to the Board website. The Board reviewed the draft policy and agreed to some minor refinements.

    6. Registrations

    • The Board reviewed four applications for standard practitioner registration.

    7. Complaints

    • The Board noted the complaints report for the relevant period. The Board considered proposed refinements to the Alternate Complaints Pathway. The Board considered one complaint.

    8. Other business

    • The Board Inspector, Dr Justin Clarke attended the meeting to discuss the upcoming routine premises inspections. The Board discussed the upcoming Board Strategy and Planning Day.

    2025 Board meeting summaries

      Date and Time Meeting summary
      17 January 2025
      9:30am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Communicable disease and outbreaks risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board reviewed 6 existing policies. Minor amendments were agreed.

      6. Registrations

      • Three applications for standard practitioner registration were approved.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered 4 complaints.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      28 February 2025
      10:00am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given. Potential conflicts of interest: 2 conflicts were disclosed and appropriately managed.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Quorum risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board reviewed 6 existing policies. Minor amendments were agreed for 2 policies, while others required no changes.

      6. Registrations

      • The Board reviewed 3 application for Standard Veterinary Practitioner registration.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered 2 complaints.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      28 March 2025
      1:30pm

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • he President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.Potential conflicts of interest: One conflict was disclosed and appropriately managed.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Failure to comply with legislation risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Failure to comply with legislation risk category was reviewed. The Board reviewed the existing list of Board policies and agreed no updates were necessary.

      6. Registrations

      • The Board considered one application for standard registration and agreed to conditional registration pending further advice. The Board approved the premises registration for ACT Wildlife Centre.

      7. Complaints

      • N/A

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      2 May 2025
      10:00am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Business systems and processes risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board reviewed the existing list of Board policies and agreed no updates were necessary. Proposed amendments were agreed for the Responsibilities of the Superintendent policy.

      6. Registrations

      • The Board discussed a proposed in-home consult service by a veterinary practitioner and agreed to support a trial period. The Board agreed to draft a policy for conditional registration of overseas-qualified veterinary practitioners.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered two complaints.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      30 May 2025
      9:30am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given. Dr Sam Kopra (incoming Board member) was welcomed.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • One conflict was disclosed and appropriately managed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Stakeholder engagement risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board reviewed the existing list of Board policies and agreed no updates were necessary. Minor amendments were made to the newly drafted Conditional Registration of Overseas Qualified Veterinary Practitioners policy.

      6. Registrations

      • One application for standard practitioner registration was approved. The Board reviewed and approved a letter of support for a proposed in-home consult service.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered one complaint.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      27 June 2025
      9:30am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Two existing conflicts were noted and appropriately managed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Cyber Security risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board reviewed the existing list of Board policies and agreed no updates were necessary. The updated Welfare of animals must be considered policy was finalised. Work commenced on a guidance document regarding the use of cannabinoids in veterinary medicine.

      6. Registrations

      • Three applications for standard practitioner registration was approved.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered one complaint.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      25 July 2025
      9:00am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Finance risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board reviewed the existing list of Board policies and agreed no updates were necessary. The Board reviewed the recently drafted Use of Cannabinoids in Veterinary Medicine guideline.

      6. Registrations

      • The Board reviewed and approved two (2) applications for Standard Practitioner Registration, and one (1) application for Specialist Practitioner Registration. The Board discussed oversight of house-call services. Work will continue to clarify definitions and expectations.

      7. Complaints

      • N/A

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      29 August 2025
      9:30am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • One COI was noted and appropriately managed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Communicable diseases and outbreaks risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board supported establishing “House Call Service” as a recognised premises type. The Board reviewed a letter from the ACT Government’s conservator of Flora and Fauna.

      6. Registrations

      • The Board reviewed and approved five (5) applications for Standard Practitioner Registration, and one (1) application for Specialist Practitioner Registration. The Board reviewed registrational conditions for two (2) veterinary practitioners. The Board considered an application for one Veterinary Premises.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered two (2) complaints.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      26 September 2026
      9:30am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Three (3) COIs were noted and appropriately managed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Quorum requirements risk category was reviewed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Veterinary space

      6. Registrations

      • The Board reviewed and approved one (1) application for Standard Practitioner Registration. The Board reviewed two (2) applications for Premises registration.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered two (2) complaints.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      31 October 2025
      10:00am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given. The Board noted AGM and Communications session was successful, and feedback was positive, with suggestions to improve the Q&A format.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • N/A

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The ACT Government’s conservator of Flora and Fauna attended and gave a briefing on proposed amendments to the Veterinary Practice Act relating to their kangaroo fertility control programs.

      6. Registrations

      • The Board reviewed and approved two (2) application for Standard Practitioner Registration.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered three (3) complaints.

      8. Other business

      • N/A
      28 November 2025
      9:30am

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given. Board Members thanked Ms Alison Archer for her valuable contribution during her term on the Board.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • One (1) COI was noted and appropriately managed.

      3. Actions arising register

      • N/A

      4. Risk register

      • The Communicable Diseases and outbreaks risk category was revisited. The Board agreed to archive the communicable diseases risk category following Machinery of Government (MoG) changes. The Chief Veterinary Officer will liaise with the Board on related matters as needed.

      5. Compliance, policy and legislation review

      • The Board discussed emerging issues in emergency and after-hours care. Policy reviews on afterhours hospitalisation, emergency hospitals, and continuing care will be conducted at the January Board meeting. The Board discussed incorporating guidance around Practitioner use of AI into record-keeping guidelines.

      6. Registrations

      • Nil registrations were received for Board consideration during the month of November 2025.

      7. Complaints

      • The Board considered four (4) complaints.

      8. Other business

      • N/A

      2024 Board meeting summaries

        Date and Time Meeting summary
        19 January 2024
        9:30am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Business systems and processes risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 5 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Responsible supply and use of antimicrobials. Supply of S4 pain management medication for animal husbandry procedures in production animals policy. Suppling subscription only medicines. Use and Management of Controlled Medicines (S8) and Barbiturate Euthanasia Solutions Policy and, Telehealth Policy (Includes Telemedicine and Teletriage). The TCCS Policy and Legislation team attended and gave an overview of the work undertaken on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered one application for premises registration, and 5 applications for Standard Practitioner registration.

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered 2 complaints.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        23 February 2024
        9:30am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present. An Acknowledgment of Country was given. Potential conflicts of interest: 2 conflicts were disclosed and appropriately managed.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Business systems and processes risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 5 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Veterinary facilities equipment and assistance in the provision of veterinary services. Responsibilities of a veterinary superintendent. Supervised practice. Incitement and inducements to commit unprofessional conduct policy. The Directorate's Policy and Legislation team attended and gave an overview of the work undertaken on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered 4 applications for Standard Practitioner registration

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered 2 complaints.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        22 March 2024
        1:30pm

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • he President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Cyber Security risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 3 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Currency of practice policy; Working in area of competence and limitations policy, and, Referrals, second opinions, registered specialists and specialist practices. The Directorate's Policy and Legislation team attended and gave an overview of the work undertaken on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered 2 applications for Standard Practitioner registration.

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered one complaint.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        19 March 2024
        10:00am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Stakeholder Management risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 4 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Use of expert review; Quorum policy; Conflict of interest policy, and Board communication to stakeholders policy. The Board was briefed by the Registrar on the work undertaken by the Directorate's Policy and Legislation team on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered one application for Standard Practitioner registration.

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered one complaints.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        17 May 2024
        9:30am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Finance risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 2 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Veterinary practitioner health program policy, and the Diversity and inclusion policy. The Board was briefed by the Registrar on the work undertaken by the Directorate's Policy and Legislation team on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered 1 application for Standard Practitioner registration. The Board reviewed the conditional registration of one Veterinary Practitioner.

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered one complaint.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        21 June 2024
        9:30am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One standing conflict of interest was noted.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Quorum Requirements risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 2 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Complaints Outcomes policy, and the Continuing Professional Development policy. The Board was briefed by the Registrar on the work undertaken by the Directorate's Policy and Legislation team on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered 4 application for Standard Practitioner registration.

        7. Complaints

        • N/A

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        26 July 2024
        9:30am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One standing conflict of interest was noted.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • 3 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: After-hours hospitalisation of patients; Continuing care after-hours and Emergency animal hospitals. The Board was briefed by the Registrar on the work undertaken by the Directorate's Policy and Legislation team on the legislative review. The Board performed a thorough assessment of the responses received from the stakeholder consultation process.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 3 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: After-hours hospitalisation of patients; Continuing care after-hours and Emergency animal hospitals.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board noted the number of renewals and non-renewals for both premises and practitioners for 2024-25. The Board considered 1 application for Standard Practitioner registration. The Board considered registrational conditions for 1 veterinary practitioner.

        7. Complaints

        • N/A

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        30 August 2024
        10:00am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One conflict of interest were noted.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Business systems and processes risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 4 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Record keeping, Communications, Obtaining informed consent and Complaints outcomes policies. The Board was briefed by the Registrar on the recent work undertaken by the Directorate's Policy and Legislation team on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered three applications for Standard Practitioner registration. The Board reviewed the registrational conditions for two conditionally registered practitioners.

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered one complaints.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        27 September 2024
        9:30am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Stakeholder management risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 3 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Communications, Anaesthesia and, Biosecurity and Infection Control policies. The Board was briefed by the Registrar on the recent work undertaken by the TCCS Policy and Legislation team on the legislative review.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board reviewed the documentation received from the Veterinary Practitioners Board of Western Australia, pertaining to a Queensland registrant.

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered 2 complaints.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        25 October 2024
        10:00am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • 4 conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Cyber Security risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 3 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Anaesthesia, End of Life services, and Certification policies. The Board reviewed the documentation received from the Veterinary Practitioners Board of Western Australia, pertaining to a Queensland registrant.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board considered 2 complaints.

        7. Complaints

        • N/A.

        8. Other business

        • N/A
        29 November 2024
        9:30am

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • 2 standing conflict of interest noted.

        3. Actions arising register

        • N/A

        4. Risk register

        • The Finance risk category was reviewed.

        5. Compliance policy and legislation review

        • 5 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Practising in accordance with statutory obligations, Obligation to provide treatment, Obligation to report policy, Welfare of animals must be considered, and the Veterinary Practitioner Health Program policies. Directorate's staff attended the meeting to discuss proposed amendments to the Veterinary Practitioners Act.

        6. Registrations

        • The Board reviewed 3 application for Standard Practitioner registration.

        7. Complaints

        • The Board considered 2 complaints.

        8. Other business

        • N/A

        2023 Board meeting summaries

          Date and Time Meeting summary
          20 January 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • One conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Communicable Diseases and Outbreaks risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 5 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Currency of Practice Policy; Bark Reduction Policy; Use of Expert Review Policy; Veterinary Practitioner Health Program Policy; Working in Area of 2 new policies were review by the Board; Across State Borders Policy; Supply of pain management medication for animal husbandry procedures in production animals’ policy. The Board discussed proposed strategy for review of Part 7 of the Act.

          6. Registrations

          • One registration condition was discussed, and two registration applications were approved.

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered one complaints.

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          24 February 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • One conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Finance risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 3 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: After-hours hospitalisation of patients; Assistance or support used in the provision of veterinary services, and Continuing care after-hours.

          6. Registrations

          • 2 registration applications were approved.

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered one complaints.

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          31 March 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The Deputy President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • One conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Failure to comply with legislation risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 3 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Emergency Animal Hospitals; Record keeping Guidelines, and Responsibilities of a veterinary superintendent.

          6. Registrations

          • N/A

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered 2 complaint.

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          28 April 2023
          10:00am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The Deputy President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • One conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Quorum requirements risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 5 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Record keeping Guidelines, End of life veterinary services, Practicing in accordance with statutory obligations, Responsible supply and use of antimicrobials, and Complaints.

          6. Registrations

          • The Board reviewed and approved one application for registration.

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered 3 complaints.

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          2 June 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Business systems and processes risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • One existing policy was reviewed by the Board: Veterinary facilities equipment and assistance in the provision of veterinary services policy; And one developing process was reviewed: Summary of Complaints policy for ACT VPB website. The Board discussed proposed strategy for review of Part 7 of the Act.

          6. Registrations

          • The Board reviewed and approved one application for registration.

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered one complaint.

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          30 June 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Failure to meet the expectations of our stakeholders risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 2 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Disciplinary policy and Obligation to provide treatment. The Board discussed proposed strategy for review of Part 7 of the Act.

          6. Registrations

          • The Board reviewed one application for practitioner registration, and one application for premises registration.

          7. Complaints

          • N/A

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          28 July 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Cyber Security risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 5 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Communications policy; Obtaining informed consent; Quorum policy; Referrals, second opinions, registered specialists and specialist practices; and the Complaints Outcomes policy (updated June 2023). The Board discussed proposed strategy for review of Part 7 of the Act.

          6. Registrations

          • The Board reviewed and approved one application for standard practitioner registration, and one application for specialist practitioner registration.

          7. Complaints

          • N/A

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          25 August 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Communicable disease and outbreaks risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 2 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Quorum Policy and, Complaints outcomes Policy. The Board discussed proposed strategy for review of Part 8 of the Act.

          6. Registrations

          • The Board reviewed and approved 2 applications for standard practitioner registration.

          7. Complaints

          • N/A

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          29 September 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Stakeholder management risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 6 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Complaints Outcomes policy; Quorum policy; Certification policy; Conflict of interest policy; Incitement and inducements to commit unprofessional conduct; and Obligation to report policy. The Board discussed proposed strategy for review of Part 9 of the Act.

          6. Registrations

          • The Board reviewed and approved one application for standard practitioner registration and, one application for House calls only practice. The Board reviewed one veterinary practitioner’s registrational conditions.

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered 2 complaints.

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          27 October 2023
          10:00am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Failure to comply with legislation risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 4 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Supplying prescription only medicines; Anaesthesia policy; Biosecurity and infection control and, Board communication to stakeholders policy.

          6. Registrations

          • The Board reviewed one veterinary practitioner’s registrational conditions.

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered 2 complaints.

          8. Other business

          • N/A
          25 November 2023
          9:30am

          1. Welcome and review of attendance

          • The President opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

          2. Potential conflicts of interest

          • One conflict of interest disclosed.

          3. Actions arising register

          • N/A

          4. Risk register

          • The Quorum risk category was reviewed.

          5. Compliance policy and legislation review

          • 4 existing policies were reviewed by the Board: Employing Veterinary practitioners; Diversity and inclusion policy; Telemedicine policy (COVID-19) and, Obligation to Report policy. The Board conducted a review of the Code of Conduct, and Part 10 of the Veterinary Practice Act 2018.

          6. Registrations

          • N/A

          7. Complaints

          • The Board considered one complaint.

          8. Other business

          • N/A

          Contact details

          ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board

          • Phone: 02 6207 0012
          • Email: ced.vetboard@act.gov.au
          • Post: ACT Registrar, ACT Veterinary Practitioners Board, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601

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