Locum Info
Overview on useful information for locum workers
For anyone wishing to work as a locum , it is important that you understand the practical concerns with regards to state registration and your finances whilst working in Australia.
*Eligibility for State Registration
In Australia, it is necessary for a vet to achieve registration within each individual state that you wish to work in - and there are a variety of graduates whose qualification will be recognised for automatic registration. Where you have a degree not recognised by the relevant state board, you will have to study for, and pass the National Veterinary Exam before you can work as a vet in Australia.
Therefore Vets with the following degrees are eligible to apply for registration as a Veterinary Surgeon without further examination:
- Graduate from any Australian Universities
- Veterinary Degrees from Universities in the UK
- Veterinary Degrees from Massey University New Zealand
- Veterinary Degrees from the University of Dublin received in 2004 and onwards
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Pretoria SouthAfrica
- Veterinary Degrees from American Veterinary Medical Association recognised and accredited Veterinary school. USA graduates must also have passed the North American Veterinary Licence Exam
- Veterinarians who are a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons UK by examination (rather than fee paying).
More information on state registration can be opbtained from the Australasian Vet Boards Council Inc, Melbourne, Victoria 300
Tel: +61 (0) 3 9620 7844
*Working in Australia
For more information relating to your eligibility to work in Australia, please refer to work permits pages. It is important to ensure that your qualification will allow you to achieve state registration before you commence the costly visa process!
**Finances!
Tax File Number - For traveling vets or vet nurses; on arrival in Australia, it’s important that you obtain your tax file number as soon as possible. Similar to the National Insurance Number in the UK, and is a unique reference number that is used for all employer/tax correspondence.
Superannuation - This a government legislated scheme to ensure savings for retirement. Contributions equal to a minimum of 9% of your gross earnings are made by your employer to a superannuation fund of your choosing - You are also able to make additional voluntary contribution to your fund from your own earnings.
It is a good idea to do some research into the various companies offering superannuation fund management , to find out charges and insurances offered. Temporary residents in Australia may be able to transfer payments to another “Super” or pension scheme when you leave the country, so do contact your superannuation company for details.
