Investment in animal health will strengthen food security, sustainability and community wellbeing
Canberra, ACT – Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) is calling on the Australian Government to invest around $170 million over three years in the animal health sector through the 2026-27 Federal Budget, to support innovation and improve access to animal medicines across Australia.
AMA’s Pre-Budget Submission outlines a targeted package of regulatory reform, workforce support and strategic investment to ensure Australia’s animal health sector remains resilient, sustainable and fit for the future.
“Animal health underpins Australia’s food security, biosecurity, animal welfare and public health,” Chief Executive of Animal Medicines Australia, Mr. Ben Stapley said.
“A relatively modest investment now will deliver long-term economic, environmental and social returns for all Australians.” Mr. Stapley stated.
AMA is urging the Government to modernise regulatory and intellectual property settings to ensure Australia remains an attractive market for innovation and investment in animal health.
Key measures include increasing data protection periods for new veterinary medicines and extending patent term extensions to align with provisions already available for human medicines.
“These reforms will give companies confidence to invest in Australia and bring innovative products to market sooner. Farmers, veterinarians and pet owners will benefit from faster access to new and improved animal health solutions.” Mr. Stapley said.
AMA is also seeking $9 million per year to support the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) public-benefit compliance and enforcement functions, strengthening confidence in Australia’s world-class regulatory system.
AMA’s submission calls for Government support to develop Australian Carbon Credit Units that recognise methane-reducing animal health products as a legitimate emissions-reduction pathway.
Improving animal health is one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to lift productivity while reducing emissions. Animal health must be recognised as part of Australia’s climate and sustainability solution and incorporated into Australia’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Additional priorities include:
- $8 million over five years to develop and implement a National Companion Animal Policy
- $14 million over three years to expand Australia’s antimicrobial resistance surveillance system to include animal health, under a One Health framework
- $4 million over three years to support CSIRO’s work on a national animal vaccination strategy.
AMA believes the proposed package represents a strategic investment in Australia’s animal health system, with benefits extending well beyond the sector itself.
“Healthy animals mean healthier people, stronger regional communities and a more sustainable future for all Australians,”
We look forward to working with Government to ensure the 2026–27 Budget delivers for animal health, and for all Australians.” concluded Mr. Stapley.
