New laws to streamline Agvet chemical regulation

New laws streamlining the regulation of agvet chemicals while strengthening protections for the safety of humans, animals and the environment will be introduced into Parliament today.

 

Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) Board and Other Improvements Bill 2019 would improve the efficiency of the APVMA and promote quicker access to chemical products.

 

“These amendments are simple, non-controversial changes introduced today to improve the efficiency of the agvet chemical regulatory framework which will in turn will increase the speed to which farmers can access safe and effective chemicals,” Minister McKenzie said.

 

“A key measure in the Bill is the provision of incentives to include more uses on chemical product labels that would not ordinarily be registered.

 

“Improving access to chemicals already in use by our overseas competitors will help Australian farmers improve productivity and international competitiveness.

 

“Importantly it will also improve our ability to manage weeds of national significance that are a threat to our environment.”

 

Minister McKenzie said the government had recently announced Mr Ken Matthews would chair a comprehensive review of the whole legislative framework from first-principles.

 

“Today’s new Bill, however, brings forward more robust governance arrangements for the APVMA that reflect modern best practice for ensuring the accountability and performance of the regulator,” Minister McKenzie said.

 

“This Bill supports this critical outcome by establishing an APVMA Board.

 

“I look forward to this Bill receiving full support in both Houses in Parliament because a more efficient regulator will deliver flow-on benefits to farmers.”