New skills-based Board assumes governance as AVBC completes transition to Company Limited by Guarantee
5 June 2026
Melbourne, Australia — The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) today held its final Annual General Meeting as an incorporated association, marking the close of a significant chapter in the organisation’s history and the beginning of a new era in veterinary standards and accreditation across Australia and New Zealand.
The AGM formally concluded the governance arrangements of AVBC as an incorporated association with its Interim Board and Council, paving the way for the incoming skills-based Board to assume full governance responsibility from 1 July 2026, coinciding with AVBC’s transition to a Company Limited by Guarantee.
A Landmark Transition
This represents the most significant structural reform in AVBC’s history. Moving from a representational governance model to a skills-based Board reflects best practice among standards-setting bodies and professional regulators internationally, strengthening the integrity, capability, and effectiveness of AVBC’s governance arrangements.
The reform extends beyond the Board to AVBC’s standing Committees for accreditation, examinations, and specialist assessments, embedding greater independence, stronger accountability, and the expertise needed to support consistent, transparent, and evidence-informed outcomes across all functions.
“Today marks the end of one chapter and the confident beginning of another,” said AVBC Chair Dr Lindsay Burton. “The move to a Company Limited by Guarantee and a skills-based Board positions the AVBC to operate with greater agility, accountability, and strategic focus – exactly what the veterinary profession and the public it serves deserve from a modern regulatory and accreditation body.”
Incoming Skills-Based Board
AVBC is pleased to announce the appointment of inaugural skills-based Board, which will assume governance from 1 July 2026:
- Professor Jan Thomas, Chair
- Dr Charlie Blackwood, Director
- Mr David Ensor, Director
- Ms Inma Beaumont, Director
- Ms Kym Ayscough, Director
The incoming Board brings a breadth of expertise in governance, regulation, higher education, and professional standards, equipping AVBC to lead with authority and independence in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.
For further information on the new governance structure, Board member profiles, and AVBC’s strategic direction contact Ms Kate Simkovic, CEO AVBC on ceo@avbc.asn.au
About the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council The Australasian Veterinary Boards Council (AVBC) is the peak accreditation and standards setting body for the veterinary profession across Australia and New Zealand.