Make a submission by October 22 to the Inquiry: Continued use & regulation of paraquat

Continued use and regulation of paraquat – Parliament of Australia

Australian Senate inquiry into paraquat: what it means
The Australian Senate has launched an inquiry into the continued use and regulation of paraquat, a widely used herbicide. The inquiry will examine whether Australia's current approach to regulating paraquat adequately protects public health and whether recent decisions made by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) were based on sound evidence and transparent processes. 

Why is this inquiry happening?
In June 2026, the APVMA made a decision about the ongoing use of paraquat in Australia. The Senate inquiry will review that decision and assess:

• The scientific evidence used by the APVMA. 
• Whether the APVMA's decision-making process was transparent, independent and appropriate. 
• Evidence linking paraquat exposure to Parkinson's and other neurological conditions. 
• Potential impacts on farmers, agricultural workers, rural communities, golfers and others who may come into contact with paraquat. 
• Whether Australia's regulatory system responds effectively when new health concerns emerge about agricultural chemicals. 
• How other countries regulate paraquat and similar chemicals. 
• Whether changes are needed to maintain public confidence in the regulation of agricultural chemicals. 

Why does this matter for Parkinson's?

One of the inquiry's key focus areas is the evidence regarding a possible association between paraquat exposure and Parkinson's. The committee will consider current scientific evidence and whether Australia's regulatory framework appropriately addresses uncertainty about long-term health risks. 

For people living with Parkinson's, advocates, researchers and health organisations, this inquiry provides an opportunity to ensure that concerns about environmental risk factors are formally considered by Parliament. 

Can the public contribute?
Yes. The Senate committee is currently accepting submissions from individuals and organisations. Submissions close on 22 October 2026. The committee is expected to report its findings to Parliament on the first sitting day of 2027. 

In one sentence
The inquiry will examine whether Australia's decision to continue allowing paraquat is supported by the evidence, whether the regulatory process can be trusted, and whether stronger protections are needed for people who may be exposed to the chemical. 

Reference
Australian Parliament House. (2026). Continued use and regulation of paraquat. Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_and_Transport/Paraquatregulation