Australia approves restricted paraquat use despite global bans and Parkinson’s disease concerns
Consensus Summary
Australia’s chemical regulator, the APVMA, approved the continued restricted use of the controversial herbicide paraquat on June 23, 2026, after a 29-year review. The decision allows paraquat and its related chemical diquat to remain legal but with stricter controls, including a reduced maximum application rate of 231 grams per hectare, a ban on backpack sprayers, and mandatory enclosed mixing systems. The move follows global trends where over 70 countries, including the EU, UK, and China, have banned paraquat due to concerns about its link to Parkinson’s disease and acute toxicity. While the APVMA concluded that evidence did not establish a causal link between paraquat and Parkinson’s, the decision has been widely criticized by health advocates, including Parkinson’s Australia, who argue the science overwhelmingly supports a ban. Farming groups, however, welcomed the decision as a balance between agricultural needs and safety, emphasizing paraquat’s role in no-till farming practices that protect soil health. The controversy highlights differing regulatory approaches, with Australia relying on risk-based assessments while many other nations adopt a precautionary principle. Existing paraquat stock will be phased out over two years, and Syngenta, the main manufacturer, is assessing the impact on its product portfolio.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approved restricted use of paraquat and diquat with new limits, including a maximum application rate of 231 grams per hectare (previously 1,150 grams per hectare).
- Backpack sprayers are no longer permitted for paraquat/diquat use, and enclosed mixing/loading systems are now required for all ongoing uses.
- Paraquat and diquat are banned in over 70 countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, and China, due to toxicity concerns.
- The APVMA’s review of paraquat has been underway since 1997, with the final decision announced on June 23, 2026.
- Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris criticized the decision, stating that 70 countries have banned paraquat and calling the APVMA’s measures insufficient.
- Syngenta, the main manufacturer of paraquat in Australia, stated it is assessing the impact of the decision on its product portfolio and will work with growers to ensure compliance.
- The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) acknowledged community concerns but emphasized that paraquat is essential for no-till farming and soil health.
- The APVMA received 171 submissions from scientists, doctors, the agricultural industry, and other stakeholders during the review process.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- APVMA chief executive Scott Hansen stated that the weight of evidence does not show paraquat exposure through approved uses increases Parkinson’s disease risk, a claim strongly refuted by Parkinson’s Australia.
- Neurologist David Blacker, who has Parkinson’s disease, said the data on paraquat was overwhelming and that incidents of Parkinson’s increase with paraquat use.
- Grain Producers Australia (GPA) labeled the decision a 'victory for science-based regulation' and said it had invested significant effort in the review process.
- The APVMA’s review was declared a priority for reconsideration in 1994, with an interim report released in 2024 and the final decision in 2026.
- The APVMA lost expertise when it moved from Canberra to Armidale in 2013, which critics say delayed the review process.
- The Guardian noted that Australia uses a risk-based assessment for chemicals, while the EU and other countries use a precautionary approach requiring manufacturers to prove safety.
- A 2022 Guardian investigation revealed internal Syngenta documents from the 1970s showing reservations about paraquat’s chronic effects, despite public statements to the contrary.
- The US Environmental Protection Agency reviewed paraquat in 2021 and allowed its continued use with stronger controls, while some US states like Vermont have banned it.
- ACT independent senator David Pocock criticized the decision, calling it another example of 'vested interests winning out over community interest'.
- The APVMA’s review took about 30 years despite being declared a priority in 1994, with the work program settled in 2015.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC states the APVMA found 'no links' between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease, while the Guardian reports the APVMA said it 'failed to establish a causal link' with Parkinson’s disease, framing the evidence as inconclusive rather than definitive.
- The ABC quotes Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris as saying the APVMA 'failed not only farmers who use paraquat, but all the other Australians exposed to it,' while the Guardian reports she asked 'Are the lives of Australians less valuable?' implying a broader moral critique of the decision.
- The ABC mentions that the APVMA’s review was declared a priority for reconsideration in 1994, while the Guardian states it was declared a priority in 1994 but also notes the work program was settled in 2015, suggesting differing emphases on timeline specifics.
Source Articles
Breaking: Chemical regulator approves restricted use of controversial herbicide paraquat
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority concludes its nearly 30-year review of the controversial but popular herbicide.
Paraquat will continue to be used in Australia despite 70 countries banning weedkiller over Parkinson’s disease fears
Herbicide manufacturer Sygenta had reservations dating back to 1970s but regulator says tighter controls, including phasing out backpack sprayers, can protect workers Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The herbicide paraquat, banned in over 70 countries, will remain legal in Australia despite Parkinson’s groups, scientists and neurologists arguing there is a strong correlation between direct exposure and the inciden