Dear [MP]

Veterinarians for Climate Action (VfCA) and the former Chief Veterinary Officers group (fCVO) congratulate you on being elected to the new parliament, a representative for your community of [electorate].

Leaders from VfCA and fCVOs are eager to meet with you in Canberra or virtually.

VfCA has over 1700 members based in every State and Territory of Australia and its Patron is Professor Peter Doherty: Nobel Laureate, veterinary surgeon, and former Australian of the Year. 

The fCVO group includes thirty three former Chief Veterinary Officers and Senior Government Veterinarians.

Veterinarians are proud that their professional body, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has a strong science-based climate policy.

The result of the election is clear. Australians have voted for no further delay on climate action. VfCA asks for a climate plan delivering results this decade, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030 and reaching net zero emissions by 2035.

With Government resources directed to building a zero-emissions economy in all sectors including energy, transport, industry and agriculture, Australia will become a climate leader.

VfCA and fCVOs are keen to continue to engage with politicians at all levels of government and in all parties, including yourself - we know that bipartisan support for strong climate policies is essential to protect Australia's animals and ensure a safe future for our families.

Animal health has a critical position in our future, protecting the diversity of native wildlife contributing to a sustainable environment, the livestock that contribute to our food security or our much-loved pets.

As veterinarians we have the following requests of all our elected representatives in the new Australian parliament:

1. To develop an effective national climate action plan as a priority, with stronger net-zero emissions targets via deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and a rapid transition to renewable energy by 2030.
2. To put an end to destruction of native vegetation, including old growth forests, and to increase plantings of native vegetation and timber    
3. To strengthen environmental and wildlife protections afforded by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including incorporating a climate trigger.
4. To position Australia as an agricultural leader in the world, with a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 and development of a National Ruminant Emissions Reduction Program.

We look forward to meeting with you discuss this further. VfCA Chair, Dr Jeannet Kessels, will be in Canberra between 20 - 24 June. Alternatively a Zoom meeting with Dr Kessels or one of our members can be arranged.

Yours sincerely 

Dr Jeannet H Kessels BVSc

Chair, Veterinarians for Climate Action

[email protected]

040...

Dr Ron Glanville BVSc

Coordinator, former Chief Veterinary Officers Group.

[email protected]

042...