Chapter 2Organisation Overview
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Joe Ludwig MP
The APVMA is the Australian Government statutory authority responsible for the assessment and registration of pesticides and veterinary medicines in Australia, and for their regulation up to and including the point of retail sale. It sits within the portfolio of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Joe Ludwig MP.
The APVMA administers and manages the National Registration Scheme for agricultural and veterinary chemicals, which sets out the regulatory framework for managing pesticides and veterinary medicines in Australia. The APVMA carries out its work in partnership with state and territory governments and with the active involvement of other Australian Government agencies.
With more than 9000 different pesticides and veterinary medicines products in the Australian marketplace, the APVMA has an important role in maintaining confidence in the safety of Australia’s food supply, the wellbeing of the environment and the integrity of Australia’s export markets. The APVMA independently evaluates the safety and performance of pesticides and veterinary medicines intended for sale, ensuring that the health and safety of people, animals and crops, the environment and trade are protected.
The APVMA’s work supports primary industries—agriculture, forestry, horticulture and aquaculture—by allowing the supply of safe, effective animal health and crop protection products. This work also supports consumers by ensuring safe, effective home garden and household pesticides and pet products.
To ensure that only those products that meet health and safety requirements are supplied, the APVMA constantly monitors the market for compliance. The APVMA also reviews registered chemical products to ensure they continue to meet contemporary standards.
The states and territories are responsible for regulating and managing the use of pesticides and veterinary medicines once they are sold.