On Thursday, 27 March 2025 we held the successful Veterinary Voices to Parliament event, co-hosted with The Hon. Mr. Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Veterinary professionals came together in Canberra to demand strong climate action for the animals we love. 

The event was attended by a number of Members of Parliament across the political spectrum, including Mrs Karen Andrews (LNP), Ms Zali Steggall (IND), Ms Mary Doyle (ALP), and Mr Sam Lim (ALP), as well as veterinary colleagues and friends like Dr Mark Schipp, a former Commonwealth Chief Veterinary Officer. 

Back (L-R): The Hon. Mr Milton Dick, MP., Dr Jeremy Watson, Mr Sam Lim MP., Prof Mark Howden, Dr Mark Schipp, Dr Frazer Boneham 
Front (L-R): Dr Catherine Chicken, Dr Jeannet Kessells, Mrs Karen Andrews MP., Steff Goldring, Dr Helen Scott-Orr

During the proceedings:

• Professor Mark Howden emphasised the scientific evidence behind climate change;
• Dr. Jeannet Kessels shared the devastating impacts on animal health and welfare;
• Dr. Jeremy Watson highlighted the financial benefits of sustainable practice;
• We screened our powerful video: Veterinary Voices on the Frontline of Climate Change: and
• We unveiled Vets for Climate Action’s policy priorities—real, impactful solutions government must adopt to protect animals, ecosystems, and communities:

Together, we made strong calls for action:

🚫 End Fossil Fuel Projects – No new coal, oil, or gas projects.
⚡ Accelerate Renewable Energy – Fund electrification, efficiency upgrades, and battery storage for homes, businesses, and community facilities like animal shelters.
🌳 End Deforestation & Native Forest Logging – Protect vital wildlife habitats.
🔍 Strengthen Environmental Laws – Ensure stronger biodiversity protections.
🐾 Support Veterinary Professionals – Establish a National Animal Disaster Fund to compensate private vets for emergency care during disasters.
🌾 Commit to Low Emissions Agriculture – Support sustainable farming practices.

You can read these in more details here. 

Why it matters

The time for action is now.

With the Federal Budget released on Tuesday and the election announced for 3 May 2025 yesterday, our event could not have been more timely. 

The next Federal Parliament will take us most of the way to 2030—the critical five years for climate action. The policies we support now will determine the future of our animals, ecosystems, and communities.

We know that Australians are paying the price for worsening climate disasters—ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred alone is expected to cost taxpayers $1.2 billion.

Meanwhile, fossil fuel subsidies of $47.7 billion could go to investing in solutions like rooftop solar, batteries, and electrification that would lower power bills and cut pollution.

We know that 42 more species and ecosystems were added to the threatened species list last year, yet there is no significant funding for their recovery.

And we know that despite promises to strengthen environmental laws, we continue to see polluting industries put before nature.

What’s Next? We Need Your Voice!

This is why we’re asking you to write to your electoral candidates. 

We have prepared an email template and want you to tell them:

✅ You are voting for strong climate action because it directly impacts animals, people, and the places we love.
✅ You want an end to fossil fuel expansion and urgent investment in renewables to safeguard our future.
✅ You support stronger environmental protections to prevent habitat destruction and species loss.
✅ You believe vets should be supported through a National Animal Disaster Fund, ensuring animals receive the care they need in times of crisis.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Your voice, your vote, and your advocacy matter. 

Together, we can ensure a future where animals, people, and nature thrive in a healthy climate.