Please attribute to GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton:
The politicisation of the APVMA’s paraquat determination through a Senate Inquiry undermines the regulator’s independence and ability to make decisions based on scientific evidence.
Any further analysis of the determination on paraquat must recognise the ongoing need for a robust regulatory framework which empowers independent regulators to make determinations based on the scientific evidence it has before it.
The APVMA as the independent regulator handed down a final determination on paraquat in June.
The ruling included revised assessments which will restrict some major application rates of paraquat and diquat, but, importantly, science-based evidence prevailed in important areas of this decision.
The grains industry accepted the determination of the independent regulator and has been focused on ensuring growers have the information they need to comply.
Australian growers need ongoing access to these tools of the trade to continue to produce grains and oilseeds which support Australia’s and the world’s food security.
ENDS