Vets for Compassion
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:39): (1459) My question is for the Minister for Environment. Almost a year ago Vets for Compassion came to my office concerned about a change by the Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria clarifying that non-vet darters must now have a vet physically present to supervise them when darting wildlife. For several years telehealth was considered an appropriate form of direct supervision for darting operations. The change has resulted in distressed and injured animals being left in avoidable suffering, waiting for a vet to be physically present, despite these responders having successfully performed this work for decades. This change has caused increased pressure on the already stretched volunteer wildlife rescue sector, created additional public safety risks and resulted in animals experiencing prolonged suffering. Will the minister provide a solution to ensure that Vets for Compassion can continue their life-saving darting work?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:40): I thank Ms Purcell for her question. I am aware of the amazing work that this group undertake at times, particularly when there are road accidents, and I think particularly regional Victorians acknowledge the important work that they do because we see it firsthand. These qualified volunteers I know are available at short notice. They are very passionate people, and they certainly deserve our respect and assistance as much as possible. The issue you have raised is something that I am seeking advice about. Two health ministers that I know of have both had a little bit of involvement in it as well. I understand that there have been some discussions around some protocols for volunteers. I am seeking further advice on that, and I am very happy to share that as soon as it is available.
Members interjecting.
The PRESIDENT: Order! Across the chamber! Mr McIntosh, you are heading for an early shower. Ms Purcell is not interjecting. She wants to hear the answer, so can the chamber respect that.
Jaclyn SYMES: Sorry, Ms Purcell. I am not even sure what those interjections were. But talking to you directly, there is input from DEECA, input from Health. You have asked me to seek a solution. I think bringing that together is part of the start of that, and I am more than happy to update you as that progresses.
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:42): Thank you very much for that, Minister. I understand it is a very messy scenario. I notice Ms Shing is nodding her head too. A broader problem across the wildlife rescue sector is a lack of clarity and government support for those undertaking essential emergency response work, particularly now with the rise of H5 bird flu in our state. Vets for Compassion have come to my office also seeking clarity on the role they can play in responding to H5 bird flu, including deploying trained volunteers to access areas affected by mortality events, assisting with the safe removal of deceased and infected wildlife and providing PPE and biosecurity training to responders to prevent further spread. Vets for Compassion are ready and able to assist with this emergency response, but they need clear guidance from the government on how they can safely support the response. Will the minister engage with Vets for Compassion to establish a clear response protocol for bird flu and ensure their trained volunteers can be appropriately deployed for support in this emergency alongside the department and government?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:43): Thank you so much, Ms Purcell. H5 bird flu is obviously an issue that is concerning for a lot of people, and there are a lot of agencies, whether they are within government or outside of government, in relation to the volunteers that are really committed to making sure that we do the very best to respond to this unfolding emergency effectively. What we have is the emergency animal disease hotline as well as advice in relation to biosecurity requirements. I recently announced more funding for wildlife volunteers to make sure that they have the available PPE. There are a lot of online meetings and briefings that are underway. I am not sure if Vets for Compassion have been engaged in those. If they have not, I would be more than happy to link that up. I am more than happy to seek further advice in relation to this specific organisation in relation to the work that has been undertaken and some of the work that may be needed going forward. If they are not looped in, I am very happy to make efforts to ensure that they feel that they are being well supported and getting the information they need.