Support for veterinary practitioners

Vetboard Victoria recognises that from time to time veterinary practitioners experience challenges in their practice for which they may require support. You can access support through the following services:

• Lifeline Australia 131 114 provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services
• AVA Telephone Counselling 1300 687 327 is an all-day every day service available to Australian Veterinary Assocation members, the vet professionals that work for them (who may not be AVA members) and family members
• Black Dog Institute has information and self-tests for symptoms, treatment and prevention of burnout and more at resources and support and TEN network for health professionals.
• Mindspot 1800 614 434 is an online and phone clinic providing free assessment and treatment services for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live
• THRIVE is the AVA's veterinary wellness initiative for veterinary teams and individuals. THRIVE aims to support veterinarians and veterinary staff lead satisfying, prosperous and healthy careers
• 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 is the national domestic family and sexual violence counselling service
• Mensline Australia 1300 789 978 is a free telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anytime, anywhere
• Headspace 1800 650 890 free online and phone service supporting young people aged up to 25 and their families
• Q Life 1800 184 527 is a national service which provides anonymous and free GLBTI peer support and referral from 3pm to midnight every day
• Griefline 1300 845 745 provides compassionate and confidential support to anyone who is grieving
• Support after suicide 03 9421 7640 supports those bereaved by suicide by providing resources and services for individuals and professionals
• SANE 1800 187 263 is for people with people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities
• Head to Health contains support resources from the Australian Government
• Mental health and wellbeing is the Victorian Government's Better Health Channel
• WorkSafe Victoria 1800 136 089 provides support and information about workplace health and safety
• Workplace Ombudsman 131 394 provides support and information about employment
• Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission 1300 292 153 provides support and information about discrimination

Obtaining support if you have been contacted by the Board

The Board recognises that veterinary practitioners may experience stress when notified of concerns about their professional conduct or health. We are committed to managing concerns sensitively and in accordance with our legal obligations, following the Veterinary Practice Act 1997 and observing confidentiality, privacy and principles of natural justice.

When investigating a concern, the Board assesses the matter on its individual merits. The outcome of an investigation will not be known until the investigation is completed. While the process can take time, it should not be assumed that an investigation will result in any adverse finding against a veterinary practitioner.

We encourage you to watch the following videos about how you can respond to a concern raised with you:

• What happens when a complaint about professional conduct is made?
• What can you do now? Approaching a Professional Conduct Investigation constructively
• What happens if your practice is impaired by a health issue?

Please contact us if you have any questions about the process. You can or email us or leave a message on 9620 7444.

If you need additional support, we encourage you to talk to your friends, family or colleagues about how you are feeling, and access support through the services listed above.