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

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.
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

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.

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.

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
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

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
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
24 February 2026 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
27 March 2026 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
24 April 2026 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
2025 Board meeting summaries
| Date and Time | Meeting summary |
|---|---|
|
17 January 2025 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
28 February 2025 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
28 March 2025 1:30pm |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
2 May 2025 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
30 May 2025 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
27 June 2025 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
25 July 2025 9:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
29 August 2025 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
26 September 2026 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
31 October 2025 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
28 November 2025 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance, policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
2024 Board meeting summaries
| Date and Time | Meeting summary |
|---|---|
|
19 January 2024 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
23 February 2024 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
22 March 2024 1:30pm |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
19 March 2024 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
17 May 2024 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
21 June 2024 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
26 July 2024 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
30 August 2024 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
27 September 2024 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
25 October 2024 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
29 November 2024 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
2023 Board meeting summaries
| Date and Time | Meeting summary |
|---|---|
|
20 January 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
24 February 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
31 March 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
28 April 2023 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
2 June 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
30 June 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
28 July 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
25 August 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
29 September 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
27 October 2023 10:00am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
|
25 November 2023 9:30am |
1. Welcome and review of attendance
2. Potential conflicts of interest
3. Actions arising register
4. Risk register
5. Compliance policy and legislation review
6. Registrations
7. Complaints
8. Other business
|
Related links
- Find a registered veterinarian or veterinary premises
- Making a complaint
- Resources
- Veterinary practitioner and premises registration
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
