Upper house MP says program would make animal healthcare more accessible for pet owners and help tackle national vet shortage
Photograph: Rodrigo Garrido/ReutersPhotograph: Rodrigo Garrido/ReutersPet owners could access free or subsidised veterinary care at public clinics under a reform proposed inMP Andy Meddick said the proposal to create a Medicare-like scheme – dubbed “Veticare” – would help make animal health care more affordable while also tackling a national vet shortage.
The model – which is not fully costed – would see an annual fee charged to domestic animal owners who would receive a Veticare card. It would allow pensioners and concession card holders to bulk-bill vet care at new public clinics, while a means-tested subsidy would apply for other clients.
Speaking ahead of introducing a motion in the state’s upper house on Tuesday, Meddick said the veterinary industry faced a workforce crisis, particularly in regional areas.
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