Geraldton veterinarian backs industry calls for HECS relief to address vet shortage

A local veterinarian has backed calls to relieve HECS debt for vet graduates working in regional areas to address shortages. The Australian Veterinary Association last week repeated its calls on the Federal Government to wipe HECS debt as regional clinics struggle to attract veterinarians. Dr Tara Craft, director and veterinarian at Midwest Vet Centre, said the Mid West was facing a vet shortage, which was putting pressure on the clinic. “We are fully booked most days and we try very hard not to have to turn people away but this is the case when staff have illness or are on holidays,” she said. “We try our best not to impact the care we give to pets but if more vets are not willing to move regionally and do after hours then this could change.” Dr Craft agreed that HECS relief could help address the issue. “I think this would be a great incentive,” she said. “HECS debt is quite high for the veterinary degree and new grads are looking for high paying positions after uni to try and reduce this debt. “Regional clinics cannot always match inner city salaries so having this incentive would help recruitment.” Aside from finances, Dr Craft said factors such as stress and homesickness were already making it difficult to attract vets to the regions. As the only clinic which still does after-hours, she said it was especially difficult for her clinic to find vets willing to take on the extra requirements.