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Australia

Senator David Pocock leads renewed push to ban controversial herbicide paraquat

Queensland farmer joins Parkinson's Australia in challenging regulator's safety decision

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Independent Senator David Pocock is pushing for a Senate public hearing into the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) decision to keep the controversial herbicide paraquat on the market. The chemical, which is linked to Parkinson's disease, has been banned in more than 70 countries but remains in use across Australian agriculture. Parkinson's Australia has joined the calls, alongside Queensland farmer Greg Smith, who is living with Parkinson's and has issued a warning against its continued use.

Senator David Pocock has renewed calls to ban the herbicide paraquat, questioning the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) decision to keep the chemical on the market.

Speaking on the issue, Pocock stated that while the APVMA argues the chemical can be safely used, more than 70 countries have banned it, and the decision warrants further scrutiny. He is currently seeking support for a Senate motion to hold public hearings as part of an inquiry into the matter.

Paraquat is used in Australian agriculture to control weeds. Research has linked exposure to the herbicide to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's Australia has publicly challenged the safety of the herbicide, adding their voice to the growing calls for a ban. Their concerns are echoed by Queensland farmer Greg Smith, who lives with Parkinson's and has issued a direct warning: 'Don't end up like me.'

The APVMA's decision to retain paraquat on the market comes as the chemical has already been prohibited in more than 70 countries worldwide.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The decision directly impacts the health and safety of agricultural workers and rural communities regularly exposed to herbicide chemicals.
  • It highlights a significant divergence between Australia's regulatory stance and the international consensus, where over 70 countries have moved to ban the substance.
  • The outcome of this push could set a precedent for how Australia reviews and manages other hazardous chemicals linked to chronic diseases.

Background

Paraquat is a widely used herbicide in Australian agriculture, primarily employed for weed control. It has been banned or heavily restricted in numerous countries due to strong links to Parkinson's disease and high acute toxicity. The APVMA recently reviewed the chemical and decided against a ban. Senator Pocock and Parkinson's Australia are now challenging this decision, arguing the public deserves a transparent parliamentary examination of the regulator's reasoning.

Key Perspectives

[Senator David Pocock and Parkinson's Australia]: They argue the link between paraquat and Parkinson's is strong and that Australia is out of step with international safety standards. They are pushing for public hearings to scrutinize the APVMA's decision. [Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)]: The regulator maintains its position that the evidence indicates paraquat can be used safely under the current regulatory framework in Australia. [Farmer Greg Smith]: Living with Parkinson's, Smith provides a personal account of the potential consequences of paraquat use, directly warning others against the chemical's risks.

What to Watch

  • The success of Senator Pocock's Senate motion to compel public hearings on the issue.
  • Whether the APVMA releases new data or reviews its position under mounting pressure.
  • Potential impacts on agricultural supply chains if the chemical is ultimately banned.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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