South Australia's Labor and Liberal parties have both backed changes to the state's veterinary services legislation, saying it will lead to greater transparency and accountability within the industry. The Veterinary Services Bill 2023 passed both houses of the SA Parliament this week following a comprehensive review of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003. Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven believes the Bill reflects "significant changes" that have occurred in the veterinary profession and animal care industry over the past two decades. One of the major changes made is the requirement for all veterinary premises to be registered. More flexibility will be allowed for veterinarians wishing to return to practice after time away, and veterinary premises will need to meet certain requirements to ensure they are fit for their intended purpose. "The role played by veterinarians is vital to maintaining the health and welfare of our pets and the productivity and growth of our livestock industries, and it's essential that legislation reflects, guides, and enables that tremendous service," Ms Scriven said. "Providing increased flexibility for veterinarians wishing to return to work after a break is among the features of the new legislation, a key in helping meet the need of the ever-increasing demand in South Australia." Opposition spokesperson for Primary Industries - and a former veterinarian of 15 years - Nicola Centofanti said the Bill was a "vital stride towards transparency and accountability within the industry". "The Bill presented, and the amendments we put forward, underscore the alignment with both the veterinary profession and public expectations," Dr Centofanti said. "It's critically important that the Bill passed this week, not just for those practitioners in the veterinary industry, and for the many campaigners who have been a part of this journey since late 2020, but for the general public and their vets. "My veterinarian career was a wonderful part of my professional journey. I'm proud to have been a part of this Bill from start to finish and give something valuable back to the profession I loved so much." Dr Centofanti said veterinarians not only played a vital role in pet care, but also contributed significantly to SA's livestock industry which contributed $5.8 billion to the local economy last year.