Media Release | 23 June 2026
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food
Western Australian Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Lachlan Hunter MP, has welcomed the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) decision to retain paraquat and diquat herbicides for use in Australian agriculture, while calling for further clarity on whether the new restrictions will remain practical and workable for farmers.
Mr Hunter said the decision provided important assurance for growers after years of uncertainty surrounding the future of two of agriculture’s most important weed management tools.
“I welcome the APVMA’s decision to retain access to paraquat and diquat and acknowledge the strong advocacy from grower groups and farming organisations throughout this process.”
“Agricultural representative bodies have worked hard to ensure science, evidence and practical farming experience remained at the centre of this review.”
However, Mr Hunter said significant questions remain about whether the revised application rates will allow farmers to continue using the products effectively.
“While growers will be relieved these products remain available, there are still legitimate concerns about whether some of the new restrictions could make their use less practical or less effective in real-world farming operations.”
“It is important that we fully understand the impact these new rates and use patterns will have on weed control outcomes, farming costs and productivity.”
The APVMA’s final decision introduces a range of revised application rates, updated label requirements and additional stewardship measures. Existing stocks carrying current labels can continue to be supplied and used for up to two years under transition arrangements.
Mr Hunter said Western Australian farmers would now be carefully assessing what the changes mean for their businesses.
Mr Hunter noted the APVMA concluded the available evidence does not establish a conclusive causal link between paraquat and neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and that the final determination followed an extensive scientific review and public consultation process.
He said the decision highlighted the importance of ensuring agricultural regulation remains grounded in science while also recognising practical on-farm realities.
“Good policy must be based on evidence, but it must also work in the paddock.”
“I will continue engaging with grower groups, agronomists and industry representatives to understand the practical implications of these changes and ensure the concerns of Western Australian farmers are heard.”
ENDS
