SENATE INQUIRY INTO THE APVMA

The Senate today supported a Labor motion to establish an inquiry into the independence, effectiveness and responsiveness of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority decision making processes. Government Senators opposed the motion.

The inquiry has been established in response to the ABC Four Corners report on Glyphosate which raised questions about the APVMA’s processes and independence.

The inquiry will include an assessment of the impact of the forced relocation of the APVMA to Barnaby Joyce’s electorate and the subsequent collapse in its workforce.

The best way to ensure that our farmers, veterinarians and owners of companion animals have timely access to safe and effective products is to maintain community confidence in the work of the regulator.

Recent political interference has undermined that confidence and Labor Senators will investigate both the impact of the relocation and the relationships between the Government, the regulator and the companies seeking approvals for their products.