Rural
7 July, 2026
Farmer's relief over paraquat ruling
The potential links between Parkinson’s disease and the herbicide paraquat, along with the related chemical diquat, have been debated following a 30-year review.
On June 23, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority released an official statement declaring the continued but restricted use of the herbicide.
During the review process, the APVMA received 171 submissions from scientists, doctors, the agricultural industry, and other interested parties, including a range of concerns about human health impacts, farming viability, and environmental impacts.
In making its decision, the APVMA considered submissions providing detailed scientific information or arguments aligned with contemporary international data requirements and test guidelines.
It found the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure through approved uses increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
APVMA chief executive Scott Hansen said the new restrictions would "protect users from acute exposure,” by phasing out backpack sprayers, require enclosed mixing and loading systems, and enhance personal protective equipment.
“Overall, the maximum rate of application on paraquat and diquat will be 231 grams per hectare, when it was previously 1150 grams per hectare,” he said.
A higher application rate applies to fallows at 770 grams per hectare for optical spot spraying, with a cap of 30% of the total area.
Parkinson’s Australia has led the campaign for a ban, including a #BanParaquat petition with 20,000 signatures, to eliminate repeat exposures to people already living with Parkinson’s disease and to protect current and future generations.
“This is going to be an absolute epidemic, and we have to be doing something now if we are to stop it,” Parkinson’s Australia chief executive Olivia Nassaris said.
“While we welcome the controls, including increasing PPE requirements and getting rid of backpack sprayers in favour of enclosed cabs, they simply don't go far enough.
“The APVMA has failed not only farmers who use paraquat but all the other Australians exposed to it.”
While paraquat has been banned in 70 countries due to its health risks, Parkinson’s Australia predicts the incidence of Parkinson’s disease is projected to triple by the year 2050, posing pressure on the health system and economy.
Farmers were facing uncertainty over the potential ban of the herbicide until the release of the APVMA’s statement at the end of last month, bringing relief to many.
However, Victorian Farmers Federation president Ryan Milgate said moving forward, the restrictions around the use of paraquat will “create some challenges”.
“We’re probably going to have to change our approach a little bit to how we use paraquat, and unfortunately, it's probably going to mean that we’re going to be using some more expensive chemical spikes and the like along with it to try and maintain the efficacy at the reduced rate,” he said.
Constant research into the links between serious health issues and exposure to commonly used toxic chemicals underscores the importance of the correct application of PPE and the safe handling of chemicals.
“It doesn't matter what chemical it is; we’ve just got to make sure we use the appropriate PPE and take all the adequate precautions.
“If we do that with any chemical, with the current knowledge, I think it's as safe as possible.
“There's obviously always small risks if you use things; it doesn't matter what it is, if you don't use it properly, you can be opening yourself up to some health risks.”
New registration conditions will apply to the labels of all paraquat and diquat products manufactured from the June 23 official statement release date.
“Paraquat’s such an important tool in our cropping systems at the moment, and it's a really cost-effective tool as well,” the Minyip farmer and VFF president noted.
Existing stock will be phased out over a two-year period, allowing the industry to identify and adopt alternative weed management strategies and prepare for the implementation of new occupational health and safety measures.
“Sometimes we need a little push to get a bit more innovative and a bit more dynamic about how we do things.”