Parkinson’s Australia has welcomed the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry into a government watchdog’s failure to ban a herbicide that is linked to Parkinson’s Disease and has been banned in 70 countries.
After three decades of reviews and mounting scientific studies, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced in June that it would not ban the chemical paraquat, opting only for tighter controls.
However, following Parkinson’s Australia’s advocacy campaign, a parliamentary inquiry into the decision will commence.
Senator David Pocock successfully launched an inquiry into the APVMA’s decision to continue the use of paraquat in Australia. He did this today (Tuesday 8 September) with support from the Greens and the Coalition.
The inquiry will look into the evidence and relationship between paraquat and Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Australia and Senator Pocock’s office will continue to work closely together in the lead-up to the inquiry.
Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris welcomed the launch of the inquiry and vowed to continue campaigning for a ban on paraquat.
Parkinson’s Australia decided it was time to act! We invite you to join us…
As of now, 70 countries have banned the use of paraquat due to its severe health risks, including its strong links to Parkinson’s disease. Despite its known dangers, paraquat remains in use in Australia, posing a serious health risk to farmers, agricultural workers, and the general public.
On September 11, 2024, Parkinson’s Australia followed up on an ABC Landline exposé by announcing a petition to ban paraquat. This petition coincides with an APVMA submission that closed Oct 29, 2024 and the US’s campaign and petition for the same cause. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 for you to join this global stand against paraquat — every action you take gets us closer to a world without Parkinson’s.
Olivia Nassaris, CEO Parkinson’s Australia
What is Paraquat?
Paraquat is a toxic herbicide that has been widely used in agriculture for decades. Research has linked paraquat exposure to an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Despite these dangers, paraquat is still permitted in some settings, and many Australians may have been exposed without even realising it.
Exposure to paraquat can occur through:
- Working on farms or in agricultural industries
- Living near areas where paraquat was sprayed (e.g. school ovals, golf courses, farming areas)
- Handling contaminated clothing or equipment
- Drinking water or eating food grown in treated soil
Even small amounts of exposure over time can have serious health consequences. That’s why Parkinson’s Australia is leading the Ban Paraquat Campaign, to eliminate repeat exposures to people already living with Parkinson’s and to protect current and future generations from this preventable risk.
Read our Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) submission
Parkinson’s Australia is calling for a ban on the herbicide paraquat, with growing scientific evidence linking the chemical to increased risks in the development of Parkinson’s disease.
Global concerns: As of now, 70 countries have banned the use of paraquat due to its severe health risks. While banned in places such as the UK, Europe and China, paraquat continues to be used widely in Australia and the United States. Even though Syngenta has announced a ban on paraquat production in the UK, it is still widely available through smaller producers.
Health risks: Research has consistently demonstrated the connection between paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease. And it doesn’t stop there. The chemical’s toxicity is so severe that even minimal exposure can have devastating effects.
Regulatory concerns: The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has been reviewing paraquat’s safety since 1997. Recent proposals, Paraquat and diquat – summary of assessment outcomes in proposed regulatory decisions, suggest stricter regulations, but a complete ban is necessary to ensure public safety.
Following a high volume of submissions during the public consultation process, the APVMA has revised timeframes multiple times along this process for the publication of the final regulatory decision on paraquat and diquat. This occurred in June 2026 with some tighter regulations, but not a complete ban.
APVMA Publications
The APVMA periodically publish reports and gazettes with pertinent information, though these can be hard to locate. Below are quick links to a number of articles relevant to our efforts against the use of Paraquat.
- Report — 26 October 2016
Paraquat toxicology report – summary - Report — 26 October 2016
Paraquat toxicology report – supplement I toxicology - Report — 26 October 2016
Paraquat toxicology report – supplement II neurotoxicology - Report — 30 July 2024
Paraquat Review Technical Report - 30 July 2024
APVMA Special Gazette - New 23 June 2026
APVMA Special Gazette - New Report — 23 June 2026
Paraquat Final Review Technical Report - New Report — 23 June 2026
Paraquat and diquat final regulatory decisions – consideration of submissions
Campaign updates
We want to hear from you!
Your personal stories are invaluable
Individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease, particularly those who believe their condition may be linked to paraquat exposure, are invited to help us strengthen our submission. Your stories will serve as case studies that highlight the real-life impact of paraquat on individuals and communities.
Please provide:
- Details of exposure: Describe how and when you were exposed to paraquat.
- Health impact: Share your journey with Parkinson’s disease, including diagnosis and progression.
- Personal reflections: Offer insights into how this has affected your life and the lives of your loved ones.
- Confidentiality: Your privacy is our priority. Stories can be submitted anonymously if preferred.
- Format: Written narratives, audio recordings, and video testimonials are welcome.
Submit your stories to:
[email protected] with the title “BanPQ story”
PANC27
We are proud to welcome all members of the Australian Parkinson’s community to Sydney in May 2027 for the country’s only national Parkinson’s conference. Visit the conference home page to learn all about what’s in store and plan your stay in Sydney. Tickets available now!
