The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has today released its Regulatory Posture Statement 2026–30 (the Statement), outlining how it will apply its statutory powers, deliver its full suite of regulatory functions, and engage with industry, government and the Australian community to build trust and maintain confidence in the agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals regulatory system.
The APVMA’s Regulator Statement of Intent, in response to the new Ministerial Statement of Expectations, also published today, notes the APVMA’s approach to its regulatory responsibilities will be guided by the Statement.
The Statement provides a clear articulation of the principles, behaviours and expectations that underpin the APVMA’s role as an independent statutory authority, reinforcing its commitment to being a trusted, transparent and fair regulator. It complements the APVMA’s broader transformation agenda, and aligns with the Australian Government’s Regulatory Policy, Practice and Performance Framework, and the 3 principles of best practice in Regulator Performance Guide (RMG 128).
The behaviours outlined in the Statement reflect the APVMA’s role in protecting the health and safety of people, animals and the environment, while supporting primary industries, biosecurity and Australia’s international trade. They also reaffirm the agency’s focus on continuous improvement and building strong relationships with applicants, registrants, peak bodies, and other government regulators.
The Statement will work in concert with the APVMA’s Strategic Plan 2025–30 and Corporate Plan 2025–29, forming a coherent framework that will guide the agency’s long-term direction, strategic priorities, and day-to-day regulatory practice.
The Statement is also one of the key recommendations in the Australian Government’s detailed response to the Final Report on Future Structure and Governance Arrangements for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.
APVMA Chief Executive Officer, Scott Hansen, said the Statement reflects the APVMA’s renewed focus on strengthening trust, improving transparency, and delivering high-quality, predictable and timely regulatory outcomes.
'Our posture statement sets out what stakeholders can expect from us as a regulator, what we expect of ourselves, and how we will continue to regulate in a way that protects people, animals and the environment while supporting agricultural productivity and innovation'.
'We are committed to being open, data-driven and fair in everything we do, and to applying our resources to the areas of highest risk to maintain confidence in Australia’s Agvet chemical regulatory system'.