Regulation of the veterinary profession and the medical profession in Australia: A comparison

This article explains and discusses the similarities and differences in the way the veterinary profession and the medical profession are regulated in Australia. Historically, the veterinary profession and veterinarians have tended to be seen as completely separate to the medical profession and the work of medical practitioners. The veterinary profession, for example, was excluded from the National Law as it was not considered to be a 'health profession'. This disparity is reflected in the different ways each profession is regulated in Australia. However, upon close inspection, the work and role of veterinarians have many similarities with the work and role of medical practitioners, and significant legal reforms are required to better align regulation of the two professions. Comparing the 'status' or 'value' of an animal patient with a human patient, and discussing whether a veterinarian is a 'real' doctor, introduces emotive and irrelevant considerations. The central issue is whether the veterinary profession deserves to enjoy the same regulatory benefits accorded to the medical profession since 2010. Given that veterinarians provide essential services, as do medical practitioners, and require the same sort of training, skills, experience and legal liabilities as their medical counterparts, the case for reform is overwhelming. The article sets out possible reforms.