In the past, veterinarians were required to register in every state they wanted to practise in. This is because each state and territory in Australia has separate legislation covering veterinary practise which is regulated under the relevant state or territory veterinary surgeons board (also known as a ‘veterinary practitioners board’ in some states).
To reduce red tape and remove barriers for veterinarians responding to national crises, working for national animal enterprises or across jurisdictions, a model for national recognition of veterinary registration was developed in 2006.
National Recognition of Veterinary Registration in Australia applies in all jurisdictions, except the Northern Territory, where Automatic Mutual Recognition has applied since 1 July 2021.
These recognition agreements mean that a person who holds an interstate right to practise as a veterinarian is deemed to be registered under an equivalent Act in another Australian state or territory. And allows veterinarians to move and practise across state borders, including those responding to national crises or working for national animal enterprises.
For information about national recognition of registration, please visit the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council website.