Continued use and regulation of paraquat

Terms of Reference

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by the first sitting day of 2027: The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) June 2026 decision regarding paraquat, with reference to: - the scientific evidence considered by the APVMA in reaching its decision; - the adequacy, transparency and independence of the APVMA’s decision-making process; - the current evidence regarding any association between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions; - the implications of the decision for farmers, agricultural workers, rural and regional communities, golfers and others who may be exposed to paraquat; - the extent to which Australia’s regulatory framework appropriately responds to emerging scientific evidence and uncertainty regarding the long-term health impacts of agricultural chemicals; - international approaches to the regulation of paraquat and other agricultural chemicals with potential long-term health impacts; - whether any changes to Australia’s regulatory framework are required to ensure public confidence in the assessment of agricultural chemicals; and - any related matters.