Media Release: Pesticide Action Australia
23 June 2026
APVMA’s decision on paraquat is a call to action
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), has concluded its near 30-year review by allowing the continued use of paraquat, a herbicide banned in over 70 countries.
Commenting on the decision Josh Davis, Executive Director of Pesticide Action Australia said:
“The human cost of this decision will be severe. The regulator and our government have missed an opportunity to protect the wellbeing of Australians and our environment, and slow the rise of Parkinson’s disease in Australia.
The APMVA’s view that the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure ‘through approved uses’ increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, stands in stark contrast with the submissions of Australia’s leading neurologists and global experts. Over 70 countries, as well as the state of Vermont in the USA, reviewed the same evidence linking paraquat to health and environmental harms and chose to ban it, finding there is no possible safe use of this dangerous chemical. The companies that manufacture and export paraquat have had it banned in their own countries, yet continue to profit from the harm it causes here.
The way this decision has been made is as disturbing as the decision itself. Not meeting with Australia’s top public health experts and neurologists who were calling for a ban, demonstrates how our industry-funded regulator is continuing to prioritise corporate interests and their profits ahead of Australia’s public health and national interest.
This decision to allow the continued use of paraquat endangers not only farmers and their families, but also rural communities and the general public as we will all continue to be exposed to this toxic chemical through ongoing low level dosages in food, water and air.
The restrictions on paraquat use announced today also push the risk back onto farmers and their families.
This is a call to action for all Australians.
Pesticide Action Australia is calling for this decision to be urgently reviewed. Ultimately, paraquat should be banned and financial support provided to farmers to transition away from harmful chemical dependency. In addition, as is the case in other countries, agricultural workers exposed to pesticides who develop Parkinson’s disease should receive compensation and support for their treatment and care. We also call for the reform of our pesticide regulatory system which is repeatedly failing to protect Australians and our environment. The precautionary principle must be applied, alongside a hazard-based regulatory approach.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Josh Davis on (0)494 345 468 or email at contact@pesticideaction.org.au.
Pesticide Action Australia is a for-purpose, not-for-profit charity dedicated to reducing Australia’s use of pesticides for the protection of our health and environment.