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Key outcomes of the APVMA Board of Directors - Meeting APVMA 19, Perth, WA 5-7 April 2006
STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
APVMA Corporate Plan 2006-09
The Agvet Chemicals (Admin) Act requires the APVMA to present a Corporate Plan to the Parliamentary Secretary on or before 1 June each calendar year. The Board endorsed the proposed APVMA Corporate Plan 2006-09 and agreed to submit the APVMA Corporate and associated People Plan 2006-09 to the Parliamentary Secretary for approval.
APVMA Operational Plan 2006-07
The Agvet Chemicals (Admin) Act also requires the APVMA to develop and submit an Annual Operational Plan on or before 1 June each year. The Operational Plan contains detailed actions to implement priorities identified in the Corporate Plan. The Board endorsed and agreed to submit the APVMA Operational Plan 2006-07 to the Parliamentary Secretary for approval.
APVMA Budget 2006-07
The Board approved the Operating Budget and Capital Budget for FY 2006-07 as follows:
· a revenue budget of $25,325,247
· a expenditure budget of $23,148,799
· a capital expenditure budget of $1,915,000, and
· a projected net operating surplus of $2,176,448.
New Risk Management Plan
The Board approved a new Risk Management Plan following the regular biennial review of the APVMA’s operational environment. While considering the Plan the Board noted that the new Plan represents best practice methodology by enabling risk treatments to be monitored strategically through links to key actions in the Operational Plan
Updates on external reviews of the APVMA
The Board was updated on the progress of several reviews of particular relevance to the APVMA including the Australian National Audit Office [ANAO] performance audit, the review of the APVMA’s corporate governance framework and the Regulation Taskforce review.
Timeframes and Productivity Project
The Board was briefed on the progress of the Timeframes and Productivity Project. The Board noted that timeframe performance and work in progress for both the Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Registration Programs are showing marked improvement with almost 100% of applications received since 1 July 2005 now being finalised within timeframe. Project activity now includes focussing on labelling reforms, implementing additional modular timeframes and fees, and further alignment of key processes with the Manual of Requirements and Guidelines.
Positioning for More Effective Compliance
The Board noted initial proposals for a more effective compliance regime for chemical products once they have been registered. The Board endorsed further development of the proposals in consultation with industry and other stakeholders.
Review of Consultative Committees
The Board considered the final outcomes of the APVMA’s review of its consultative committee framework noting that a key recommendation is to hold a chemical user workshop during 2006 to improve communications with that group. The Board approved the public release of the review report.
CHEMICAL REVIEWS
Updates on the progress of the following chemical reviews were presented at APVMA19.
2,4-D (Environment) Part 1: 2,4-D Esters
The Board noted and approved the release of the Preliminary Review Findings (PRF) 2,4-D (Environment) Part 1: 2,4-D Esters for six weeks public comment. The PRF and related documentation are available on the APVMA website at apvma.gov.au/chemrev/2,4-D.shtml.
Diazinon
The Board noted progress on the review of the active constituent diazinon, relevant product registrations and associated label approvals including advice that additional occupational health and safety data relating to OHS use of diazinon was received in mid-March 2006. It is anticipated that the review preliminary findings will be available for consideration at the June 2006 Board meeting.
Methyl Bromide
The Board approved release of the methyl bromide PRF for two months public comment. The PRF and related documentation are available on the APVMA website at apvma.gov.au/chemrev/methylBromide.shtml.
Sheep Ectoparasiticides
The Board received the PRF report of sheep ectoparasiticide products and associated labels. The PRF relates to the post-application occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental and trade risks for a range of products and considers the likely impacts of more stringent European Union Environmental Quality Standards that will be introduced after October 2007.
The Board approved release of the sheep ectoparasiticide PRF for six months public comment. The PRF and related documentation are available on the APVMA website at apvma.gov.au/chemrev/ectoparasiticdes.shtml
Other review matters
Directors also received an update on proceedings before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal regarding the review of virginiamycin.
OTHER APVMA19 OUTCOMES
Minor Use
The Board endorsed a proposal to fund an interim initiative towards establishing a Minor Use and Specialty Crops Unit (in conjunction with DAFF) to assist grower organisations obtain minor use approvals and support field research aimed at obtaining minor use approvals. It is anticipated that the initiative will commence early in 2006-07.
New Building Progress and Lease of Existing Premises
The Board was updated on construction of the APVMA’s new premises at Amtech Park.
Community Consultative Committee (CCC)
The Board considered nominations for positions that have become available as part of normal CCC membership rotation and:
- re-appointed Ms Jenni Mack to the position of CCC Chair and Dr Liz Hanna [Public Health Association of Australia] as a committee member
- appointed the following new members:
- Ms Julie Buckley [TAFE NSW],
- Mr John Temperley [Farmsafe Australia] and
- Mr Neville Prowse-Brown [Australian Landscape Trust, East Gippsland Landcare Network, VFF East Gippsland District Council, Monash School of Rural Health].