Better regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals
The Australian Government has identified the regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals as an important area of reform. In July 2010 a first tranche of Australian Government Better Regulation Reforms took effect. A number of those reforms — such as labelling reforms — are still being implemented.
A second tranche of reforms is now being processed. On 15 November 2011, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) released an exposure draft (external site) of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 together with an explanatory guide (external site) that details the changes proposed under the new legislation.
APVMA's role in reforms
The APVMA is contributing to the Australian Government’s reform of agricultural and veterinary chemical regulation by developing a comprehensive collection of documents that describe the policies and processes surrounding the assessment and management of risk across its regulatory activities, known as the Risk Compendium.
Risk Compendium
The compendium will be built and released over time as the APVMA develops its systems and processes in consultation with stakeholders. In its totality, the compendium is designed to aid understanding of APVMA’s regulatory requirements and acts as a transparency measure, informing stakeholders more broadly and adding to public confidence.
It comprises two volumes - Volume 1 comprises a series of framework documents describing the principles that will guide the APVMA in the conduct of its regulatory activities. Volume 2 will contain more detailed process documents describing how the APVMA carries out its regulatory functions.
Volume 1
The APVMA has released three documents within Volume 1.
Overview of APVMA Operations and Future Direction
The Overview document provides an introduction to the suite of reforms that will transform the operations of the APVMA and give effect to the Australian Government Better Regulation Reform agenda. The document introduces the APVMA Risk Compendium and is intended to assist stakeholders to engage and participate in the consultative process of reforming APVMA operations and business improvement.
Download the Overview of APVMA Operations and Future Direction (PDF, 995kb) | (DOC, 1.58MB)
Continuation Framework
This Continuation Framework describes the operational arrangements for the continuation of approval and registration scheme proposed in the Exposure Draft of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 (external site). The document is intended to inform discussion and aid consultation on the government’s agvet chemical reform agenda. Feedback and comments on the continuation scheme should be directed to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) which is responsible for the development of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Legislation.
Download the Continuation Framework (PDF, 955kb) | (DOC, 1.33MB)
Risk Analysis Framework (in development)
The APVMA sought stakeholder input on the draft Risk Analysis Framework from 25 November 2011 to 18 January 2012.
This Risk Analysis Framework explains the APVMA’s approach to risk assessment and risk management. It is not intended as a technical manual, but provides an introduction to the scientific concepts that underpin the APVMA’s regulatory decision-making. Detailed information about the risk assessment approach and methodology will be included in technical risk assessment manuals that will be included in Volume 2 of the Risk Compendium.
The Risk Analysis Framework establishes the principles underpinning how the APVMA considers and makes decisions in relation to registrations, permits, reconsiderations (chemical review) and continuation. It is also relevant to risk-management decisions made in relation to compliance and enforcement activities.
Stakeholder input is currently being considered before a revised Risk Analysis Framework will be published.
Further documents
The APVMA will consult with stakeholders where appropriate on further documents for the Risk Compendium as they become available. A publication schedule will be published in the near future. The next three documents are: Compliance and Enforcement Framework; Registration Framework; and Reconsideration Framework.
Questions or comments on the Risk Compendium and the documents within it may be directed to the Better Regulation Taskforce.
Stakeholder Reference Groups
The APVMA intends to establish stakeholder reference groups to discuss specific aspects of the Risk Compendium and the documents within it as appropriate. Opportunities to participate will be advised through the APVMA’s Regulatory Update.
More information
- Find out more about the draft legislation released for consultation
- See the joint media release from Minister Ludwig and Minister Sherry (external site)
- See some frequently asked questions about the exposure draft and how to provide comment
- Information about the first tranche of Better Regulation Partnership reforms enacted on 15 July 2010
Contact
Better Regulation Taskforce
For enquiries about the reforms to the regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Phone:
+61 2 6210 4877
Fax: +61 2 6210 4813
Email: betterregulation@apvma.gov.au