Labor must back moves to further strengthen the independence of the agri-chemical regulator, Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said today.

 

Minister Littleproud, who has said the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Management Authority is a competent and independent regulator, has moved to strengthen the APVMA by establishing its own independent board.

 

The work on this was done months ago and the legislation to make it a reality is before the Senate now.

 

“It’s time for Labor to show consistency,” Minister Littleproud said.

 

“Labor says Australia’s agri-chemicals need ‘a strong and independent regulator’.

 

“I agree completely, and that’s why I moved months ago to give the APVMA a strong, independent board – something it hasn’t had before.

 

“This will further strengthen the independence of the APVMA as it will answer to an independent board.

 

“If Labor really wants a strong and independent regulator, it can’t miss this opportunity to vote for one.

 

“You can’t claim to want a regulator to be independent and then vote against a regulator getting an independent board.

 

“The APVMA’s performance has improved hugely under the Coalition, and indeed in recent times.

 

“On July 1, 2017, some 58 per cent of applications were being completed on time, and on July 1, 2018 the percentage had risen to 80 per cent.

 

“This mocks the ongoing baseless criticism of the APVMA motivated by the Labor Party’s hatred for decentralisation.”