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Pay discussions are a common source of anxiety, both for employees when talking to a current employer or during a search for a new job, and for employers. Preparing yourself with some general knowledge ahead of time can help reduce uncertainty and make these conversations feel less daunting.

• Veterinary support roles are often advertised without pay rates, making “competitive remuneration” difficult to assess.
• Most veterinary practices in Australia fall under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020, which sets minimum employment conditions and is usually updated each July.
• In addition, all employees are covered by the National Employment Standards (NES), which outline minimum entitlements regardless of award or contract.

The Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 covers Veterinary Surgeons, Practice Managers, Veterinary Nurses, Receptionists, Animal attendants and Assistants, & Animal care industry inspectors. The Award covers arrangements such as, but not limited to those below:

• minimum wage rates
• allowances
• payment for extra hours worked
• on-call and provision for a communication system
• rosters & RDOs
• annual leave
• Periods of notice, redundancy
• Clothing for work
• Travel and use of own vehicle
• Meal breaks
• Sick leave
• Parental leave
• Public holidays
• Dispute resolution

Award Rates for Practice managers, Veterinary nurses, Receptionists, Animal attendants and Assistants (01Jul25)

• Penalty rates apply for Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays.
• Casual (locum) veterinary nurses should receive a 25% casual loading.
• Introductory-level roles progress to Level 1 within a maximum of three months.

For up-to-date and detailed information, you may find these official resources helpful. If you’re unsure how the Award applies to your situation, the Fair Work Ombudsman website also offers tools and guidance to help you check classifications and minimum pay rates.

• Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (Fair Work Ombudsman):
  https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/awards/awards-summary/ma000118-summary
• National Employment Standards:
  https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/national-employment-standards

Author:
Wendy Nathan
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment

This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.

Whether you’re just starting out in the veterinary workforce, relocating, taking the next step in your career, or looking for a workplace that feels like a better fit, job hunting can be emotionally taxing. Uncertainty, time pressure, and high personal stakes can all contribute to stress and anxiety.

The good news is that there are ways to make the process feel more manageable and supported. The strategies below are designed to help you feel more prepared, grounded, and confident – before you even reach the interview stage.

1.     Create clarity around your ideal job

A clear sense of direction reduces overwhelm and decision fatigue.

Taking time to define what you want (and don’t want) in your next role can significantly reduce stress by narrowing your focus and helping you avoid roles that aren’t right for you.

• Reflect on your current and previous roles. What aspects caused frustration or burnout, and what would you prefer to avoid next time?
• Identify what you find most satisfying in your current role – these are important clues to what supports your wellbeing at work.
• Consider location preferences, while staying open to nearby suburbs or areas you may not have previously considered. Sometimes a great fit is just slightly outside your original search area.
• Think about workplace culture. Many clinics now clearly communicate their values, team culture, and mission in job ads – use this information to assess alignment.
• Reflect on the type of practice that suits you best.
  • Larger corporate groups may offer structured education, internal networking, transfer opportunities, and additional employee benefits.
  • Smaller or independently owned practices may provide closer mentoring, greater autonomy, and hands-on learning opportunities with owner vets.
• If you’re seeking a veterinary nurse or support staff role, some clinics, emergency hospitals, and specialist centres use a tiered support staff structure, from kennel hands and trainees through to diploma- and degree-qualified nurses, technicians, and practice managers. This can offer a clear career pathway, which often supports long-term job satisfaction and reduces career-related stress.

2.     Use your connections to reduce uncertainty

Knowledge helps replace anxiety with confidence.

It’s okay to remember that job searching is a two-way process—you’re assessing the clinic just as much as they’re assessing you.

• Don’t hesitate to ask for a conversation with current staff to better understand day-to-day work and team dynamics.
• Trial days (or trial periods) are valuable opportunities to see whether the role feels right in practice, not just on paper.
• Research clinics before applying. Visit their website, review their opening hours, and browse their social media channels such as Facebook or Instagram.
• Knowing more about a workplace before applying can reduce the anxiety of the unknown -and remember, they’re likely looking you up too.

3.     Prepare for salary conversations

Feeling informed can help you feel calmer and more confident when money comes up.

Pay discussions are a common source of anxiety during the job search—especially when job ads don’t include a salary range. Preparing yourself with some general knowledge ahead of time can help reduce uncertainty and make these conversations feel less daunting.

Many veterinary support roles in Australia fall under the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020, which sets minimum pay rates and employment conditions. In addition, all employees are protected by the National Employment Standards (NES), which outline baseline entitlements such as leave, hours of work, and termination provisions.

You don’t need to memorise award tables or become an industrial relations expert. Instead, having a broad understanding of:

• what your role is likely classified as,
• what the minimum standards are, and
• where to find reliable information,

can help you feel more grounded and prepared if salary questions arise.

If you’re asked about your pay expectations—or what you’re currently earning—it’s okay to pause, ask for clarification, or explain that you’re guided by award rates and experience. Being informed gives you options and helps remove some of the pressure from the moment.

For up-to-date and detailed information, you may find these official resources helpful:

• Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020 (Fair Work Ombudsman):
  https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/awards/awards-summary/ma000118-summary
• National Employment Standards:
  https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/national-employment-standards

If you’re unsure how the Award applies to your situation, the Fair Work Ombudsman website also offers tools and guidance to help you check classifications and minimum pay rates.

4.     Simplify your search with the Kookaburra Jobs app

Reducing admin and mental load frees up emotional energy.

Having your job search organised in one place can significantly reduce stress and help you feel more in control.

• Every role listed on the Kookaburra Vet Employment website is also available on the Kookaburra Jobs app.
• Jobs can be viewed in list format or on a map, making it easier to visualise opportunities.
• You can bookmark jobs, so it’s easy to find them again later.

You can apply and save filters to narrow your search, and your preferences are automatically remembered.

Listings can be sorted by newest first, helping you keep up with fresh opportunities without constantly searching. Submitting applications early can also help reduce anxiety by giving you a sense of momentum and control.

The Kookaburra Jobs app is available on both the App Store and Google Play.

Job searching in the veterinary profession can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be faced all at once or alone. By slowing the process down, gathering information, and using tools and supports that reduce uncertainty, you can protect your wellbeing while you explore what’s next. Be kind to yourself, take breaks when you need them, and remember that finding the right role is not just about securing a job – it’s about supporting your long-term health, satisfaction, and sustainability in the profession.

Author:
Wendy Nathan
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment

This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.

Superannuation is money put aside and saved while you’re working, to provide an income later in life when you retire.

From 1 July 2025, the super guarantee rate rose from 11.5% to 12%. The concessional contributions cap remains stable since 30 June 2024 at $30,000. Employees who think superannuation hasn’t been paid can make a complaint to the ATO.

The Superannuation Guarantee

In Australia, Employers must pay Super (the Super Guarantee) for

• employees 18 years
• employees under 18 years working more than 30 hours a week.
• some contractors paid primarily for labour, even if they have an ABN

Temporary residents are also eligible for superannuation.

The Super Guarantee is currently 12% of ordinary time earnings (OTE) – this includes some bonuses, allowances, some paid leave, but not generally overtime. It has increased by 0.5% each year since 2021 up to 12% from July 2025 onwards. Employers are obliged to contribute this minimum percentage but they can contribute more. Full time, part time, and casual employees are all included.

SuperStream

Up to 30 June 2026, contributions must be made on at least a quarterly basis, by the quarterly due dates. Employers must pay and report super electronically in a standard format, meet SuperStream requirements and pay into a complying super fund.

If not paid on time, the super guarantee charge may be payable. An employee’s super contribution is counted as being paid on the date the fund receives it, not the date a clearing house receives it. This means that if a quarterly payment is due on 28^th October for example, payment may need to be made up to 10 days prior.

If the accounting system used by the employer is not SuperSteam compliant, small businesses (19 or fewer employees) can use the free Small Business Superannuation Clearing House. There are also other commercial options, or use a clearing house provided by your Super Fund.

As part of the Payday Superannuation initiative, from 1 July 2026 employers will be required by law to pay their employees’ super concurrently with their salary and wages.

The ATO’s Small Business Superannuation Clearing House (SBSCH) will be closed on July 1, 2026, as part of this reform. While existing users will retain access until 30 June 2026, new registrations will not be accepted after 1 October 2025.

Contractors

Many Vets work as contractors, have an ABN (Australian Business Number) and invoice clinics for their work. However, for Superannuation purposes, they may still be considered an employee and entitled to the Super Guarantee from their employer if they are paid under a verbal or written contract that is mainly for their labour (more than half the dollar value of the contract is for their labour), perform the work personally, and are paid for hours worked, rather than to achieve a result. Their earnings amount is not relevant.

To work out whether super applies in your situation, use the following link to the relevant section of the ATO website at https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/work-out-if-you-have-to-pay-super/super-for-independent-contractors

Temporary Residents

Temporary Residents ARE both entitled to accumulate superannuation and also to receiving the Super Guarantee from employers. This includes Working Holiday Makers.
When Temporary Residents leave Australia, they may be entitled to claim the super paid for them back, as a DASP – Departing Australia superannuation payment. For more information visit https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Super/In-detail/Temporary-residents-and-super/Super-information-for-temporary-residents-departing-Australia/

New Zealand citizens are not eligible for a DASP. However, New Zealand residents or citizens may be able to transfer any Australian superannuation they have accumulated to a KiwiSaver scheme provider or have it directly paid to themselves if eligible. This includes any unclaimed super money held by the ATO. Refer to the following link for more information Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Transfers

Additional Contributions

You can add your own money into your super savings, and low or middle income earners may be eligible for government co-contributions.

Employees can initiate a salary sacrifice arrangement with their employer (pre-tax), or make their own personal contributions. There is a cap on Concessional contributions (which includes Super Guarantee payments from your employer), of $30,000.

Advantages of adding additional contributions to your super fund include increases to your superannuation balance. In addition, all non-concessional contributions are classified as ‘tax-free’ components within a super account. Tax-free components are received completely tax-free upon withdrawal in all circumstances, including lump sum withdrawals, pension payments and when paid as a death benefit, regardless of the age of the member.

A downside of making concessional and non-concessional contributions into super is that these funds are inaccessible until you meet a superannuation condition of release, such as retirement or reaching age 65.

Tax on Super

Concessional Contributions – 15%

Concessional contributions to your super fund are generally taxed at 15% when they are received by your super fund. These are super contributions made before tax, and include super guarantee from an employer, salary sacrifice, personal contributions claimed as an income tax deduction. The cap on concessional contributions is $30,000 from 1st July 2024 – more than this attracts extra tax.

Non-Concessional Contributions – not subject to tax

These are super contributions made after-tax eg. spouse contributions or personal contributions not claimed as an income tax deduction. The cap on non-concessional contributions is $120,000 from 1^st July 2024 – more than this may attract extra tax. Note these are not taxed when received into the super fund because the funds have already been taxed.

Keeping Track of Super using MyGov

Employees can nominate which Super fund they wish to have their contributions paid into – they should fill out a Standard choice form ( follow instructions on how to do so by clicking on the following link https://www.ato.gov.au/forms-and-instructions/superannuation-standard-choice-form ) and provide it to the employer. Employees can now create a myGov account https://my.gov.au which is a central portal to which you can link Medicare, Centrelink, Child Support, ATO (Australian Taxation Office), My Health Record & other government agencies. You need a fair amount of information in order to link all or some of these agencies to your account, so make sure you have all your paperwork handy.

Once done, you can see what Superannuation Fund accounts you have and keep track of them through the ATO link in MyGov. For more information on how to manage your superannuation using the MyGov app and/or ATO tools including locating any lost superannuation, please click on the following link. https://my.gov.au/en/services/work/currently-employed/superannuation/managing-your-super.

Stapled Super Funds

A stapled super fund is an existing super account linked, or ‘stapled’, to an individual employee so that it follows them as they change jobs. This is aimed at reducing account fees and avoiding new super accounts being opened every time an employee starts a new job. Employers should offer employees a choice of super fund and are subject to penalties if they do not meet their obligations for this. However, for employees who don’t choose a super fund (this may include contractors), or who may not be eligible to choose a super fund (for example, temporary residents or employees covered by a relevant enterprise agreement), the employer should request the stapled super fund details for an employee from the ATO using ATO Online services. This has been a requirement since 1^st November 2021. There are certain steps to make a stapled fund request. For more information visit the ATO website at https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/super-for-employers/setting-up-super-for-your-business/offer-employees-a-choice-of-super-fund/stapled-super-funds-for-employers

More Information

For more information about all aspects of super for employers and employees, including how to find lost super, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/Super/

Author:
Scarlett Aston
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment

This information includes the views and opinions of Kookaburra Veterinary Employment and is of a general nature only. Factual information is believed to be correct at the time of writing, however, should not be relied upon and any person should confirm details with the relevant authorities and through their own research prior to acting on any of the suggestions in this article.

Set Your Location & Find the Perfect Vet Industry Job! ?

Author:

Rachel MacLaren
Kookaburra Veterinary Employment