Abolition of the Advisory Board

As part of the 2015 Spring Repeal Day, the Australian Government is abolishing the APVMA advisory board. The Hon Barnaby Joyce MP, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources has written to members of the advisory board and relevant state and territory ministers to let them know of this decision.

The advisory board was originally established under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992 (the Admin Act) to provide advice and make recommendations to the CEO in relation to APVMA activities.

Advisory board members did not represent particular interests, and were appointed based on experience in the regulation of chemical products, the agricultural chemical industry, primary production, environmental toxicology, consumer interests, public health and work health and safety.

Further detail on the previous operation of the advisory board and members is included in the APVMA annual reports. A summary of the key advice outcomes and discussion points from recent advisory board meetings are published as a communiqué.

• Meeting 27 August 2015
• Meeting 23 April 2015
• Meeting 11 February 2015
• Meeting 5 November 2014
• Meeting 25 August 2014
• Meeting 28 April 2014
• Meeting 13 February 2014
• Meeting 12 December 2013
• Meeting 27 September 2013
• Meeting 26 July 2013
• Meeting 3 April 2013

Consulting and engaging with stakeholders

The APVMA will still consult with stakeholders to obtain their views by various means such as direct contact with peak bodies or individual entities and their members as appropriate; hosting or participating in information seminars, forums and workshops; through ongoing business as usual activities including product registration and compliance; feedback and on-line communication with the community and other stakeholders, public consultations and publication of key information via our website, APVMA Regulatory Update and the APVMA Gazette.

Consultation on the regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals is required to be undertaken by the government and the APVMA in its role as the independent regulator. Section 8 of the Admin Act allows the CEO to consult with any interested person or body.

Insights into stakeholder views, expectations and needs are drawn from a variety of sources to contribute to a picture of how others see the APVMA. This can inform communication and engagement with both internal and external audiences.