Draft legislation governing APVMA’s operation way released for consultation

Yesterday the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) released draft legislation governing the way in which the APVMA operates. The legislation and supporting information is available on the DAFF website, with consultation closing on 29 February 2012.

DAFF is responsible for formulating policy and legislation relating to the regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals at the Commonwealth level. The announcement is part of the Australian Government's Better Regulation reform for agricultural and veterinary chemicals and follows consultation on a policy discussion paper, released in November 2010.

The draft legislation is aimed at improving the efficiency of regulation, enhancing the APVMA's ability to operate and ultimately, increasing the effectiveness of chemical regulation.

APVMA understands a Bill will be tabled in parliament during 2012 following a consultation on the draft legislation. The APVMA will maintain a focus on core business during this time through additional positions which enable APVMA personnel to contribute to the reforms. These additional positions were funded by allocations made available by the Commonwealth Government.