The nineteenth century predecessor organisation was the Australasian Veterinary Medical Association.
[2][3] Prominent veterinarians who have been members of the Australian Veterinary Association include Professor J.D.
Stewart (who was the first AVA President), Ian Clunies Ross (former head of the CSIRO), and parasitologist Hugh Gordon.
These include groups dedicated to equine medicine, cattle, practice management, avian health, sheep, conservation and animal welfare.
[5] Recent lobbying efforts include, HECS debt relief for rural veterinarians, [6] mental health awareness in the veterinary profession, [7] advocating for veterinarians as essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic and research into the deadly Hendra Virus.