An update from the #BanParaquat campaign | The pressure is growing.
This week, David Pocock used a Senate hearing to directly challenge the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) over its decision to keep paraquat on the market despite growing evidence linking exposure to Parkinson's.
For years, people living with Parkinson's, farming families, health advocates and researchers have been asking the same question: why is Australia still allowing a chemical that has been banned in more than 70 countries?
At the hearing, Senator Pocock questioned whether APVMA had properly considered key research showing people exposed to paraquat face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's. He also challenged the regulator on its reliance on industry-funded studies and whether it adequately considered the long delay between exposure and the onset of Parkinson's symptoms.
Importantly, leading international Parkinson's expert Dr Michael S Okun from University of Florida Health has also raised serious concerns. In his submission to the inquiry, he warned that APVMA's review risks overlooking significant scientific evidence that links paraquat exposure with Parkinson's.
Parkinson's Australia has told the inquiry that the burden of proof should sit with manufacturers to demonstrate that paraquat is unlikely to cause harm. Until that evidence exists, we believe Australia should prohibit the use of paraquat to protect agricultural workers, regional communities and future generations. OUR SUBMISSION
This campaign was never about politics. It is about people.
It is about farm workers, farming families, and Australians living with Parkinson's who deserve confidence that preventable risks are taken seriously.
Thank you to everyone who has signed, shared and spoken up. Your voices are helping keep this issue in the spotlight.
Let's keep the pressure on.
Sign and share the petition. Together, we can show decision-makers that Australians expect action on paraquat.
Write a submission by Nov 18 to join the growing voices saying no to known, highly toxic chemicals impacting our communities.
#BanParaquat #ParkinsonsAustralia #Parkinsons #DavidPocock #Paraquat #PublicHealth