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Call for evidence on SA veterinarian mental health
Locals with concerns about the mental health of South Australian veterinarians have until the end of February to give evidence on the growing scourge.
Written submissions and expressions of interest to appear before a Joint Committee on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians in SA close on February 28.
The committee was established by SA One Nation politician and former veterinarian Sarah Game, who will act as chair.
The committee is dedicated to investigating, identifying and addressing the root causes of the alarming state of veterinarian’s mental health in South Australia.
Dr Game said a 2020 Monash University study showed that veterinarians have twice the suicide rate of other health professionals, and that 70 per cent of vets have lost a colleague or peer to suicide. It also showed that around six in 10 vets have sought professional care for their mental health.
International studies show the suicide rate among veterinarians is four times higher than the general population.
An Australian Veterinary Association survey shows 88 per cent of veterinarians attribute poor mental health to a toxic work environment, due to customer abuse and unrealistic expectations.
The AVA survey revealed that chronic understaffing was causing 58 per cent of vets to experience fatigue, exacerbating mental health issues.
Dr Game said vets earn an average of $73,000, which is less than high school teachers, while a 2021 SA study shows around 36 per cent of vets work 41-50 hours a week.
Dr Game spoke passionately about her firsthand experiences while introducing the motion to the Upper House last year, and has since teamed up with Sophie’s Legacy, formed by the family of South Australian vet, Dr Sophie Putland, who took her own life, aged just 33, in 2021.
Dr Game said findings of the Joint Committee would inform recommendations aimed at the government, industry stakeholders, and educational institutions.
“I anticipate these recommendations will require genuine government investment in improving the lives of veterinarians,” Dr Game said.
“This may include policy changes, funding initiatives and educational programs tailored to address veterinarian health and wellbeing, plus the repercussions of the current situation.
“This investigation will be crucial to understanding the current state of the veterinarian workforce in South Australia and charting a course towards a more sustainable industry.”
Full terms of reference to make a submission are on the SA Parliamentary website.
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