SENATE TO EXAMINE APVMA PARQUAT DECISION

The Senate has voted to hold an inquiry into the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's decision to allow continued use of paraquat under tighter restrictions.

The inquiry will examine the scientific evidence behind the decision, the regulator's processes and evidence surrounding a possible link between paraquat exposure and Parkinson's disease.

The APVMA's June determination reduced maximum application rates, requires enclosed mixing and loading systems and will phase out the use of backpack sprayers.

Independent Senator David Pocock, who moved the motion, has criticised the decision not to ban paraquat, while Liberal and Nationals Senators called for a balanced examination of the evidence.

GrainGrowers says the inquiry risks undermining the independence of the APVMA, which must be able to make decisions based on scientific evidence.

The grains industry accepted the regulator's decision back in June and is focused on helping growers comply with the revised restrictions while maintaining access to chemicals needed to produce grains and oilseeds.