The Australian Government recognises the need to continue improving the regulation of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals. The aim is to give farmers and other users access to newer and better chemical products, while ensuring the integrity of Australia’s agvet chemicals regulatory framework.
On 7 December 2021, the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority Board and Other Improvements) Act 2021 became law - after passing through the Australian Parliament. This Act streamlines the regulation of agvet chemicals to improve access to safe and effective chemicals and reduce costs for industry while strengthening the protections to humans, animals, plants and the environment. The Act also establishes a governance board for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and ceases the APVMA Advisory Board.
This Act progresses measures that were in two Bills that lapsed when parliament was dissolved in early 2019:
- The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment (Operational Efficiency) Bill 2017, with a subsequent government amendment to introduce a governance board for the APVMA.
- The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Bill 2018.
In addition to the proposed supporting regulations previously consulted on, between 14 July 2021 and 27 August 2021 we consulted on an additional 5 proposed regulations. Visit Have Your Say for more information on this consultation (now closed) including the submissions received.
