00:01Dr Sophie Putland was a dedicated vet, but the stress of long hours and staff shortages took a toll.
00:08There were times when she would ring us up at three o'clock in the morning after a shift and
00:14she'd be sobbing.
00:15When Dr Putland took her own life in 2021, her parents pushed for an inquiry into the sector,
00:21backed by politician and former vet Sarah Game.
00:24No one should be suffering that way, but particularly not a group of people who are very hard working
00:31and have been motivated to do good in society.
00:34The inquiry found multiple issues, including unpaid labour and regular abuse from pet owners unhappy with the cost of care.
00:41We are on the daily abused for the fact that we can't fit someone in when it's convenient for them
00:47and that we require them to pay on the day for their service.
00:50Many veterinarians are actually working over 50 hours a week and in the regions plenty are working many more than
00:57that.
00:57Those vets are often earning less than the average weekly Australian wage.
01:01The inquiry made 32 recommendations tabled in a report this week.
01:07Recommendations included increasing minimum wage and improving overtime regulations,
01:11as well as giving regional vets some of the same support afforded to regional healthcare workers.
01:17It's hoped they'll be quickly adopted.
01:18I think if she could see the change that we're doing, I think Sophie would be very proud.
01:26I hope she would be very proud.
01:28A pathway to change driven by heartbreak.
01:31A pathway to change driven by heartbreak.
01:32A pathway to change driven by heartbreak.
01:32A pathway to change driven by heartbreak.
01:32A pathway to change driven by heartbreak.
01:33A pathway to change driven by heartbreak.
01:33A pathway to change driven by heartbreak.
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