Australian Senate refers paraquat herbicide decision to inquiry

The Australian Senate has voted to refer the decision regarding the herbicide paraquat to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. This follows a motion by independent Senator David Pocock to examine the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) decision to allow the chemical to remain in use under stricter restrictions.

While the APVMA recently concluded a 30-year review to retain the product, health advocates continue to raise concerns regarding potential links between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease.

Agricultural representatives, including WA Farmers grain council president Mark Fowler, have expressed frustration over the inquiry. Fowler described the move as an “utterly arrogant” decision that risks replacing scientific analysis with political solutions, potentially undermining confidence in the nation's independent regulatory systems.