The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has opened consultation on proposed changes to its fees and levies which would come into effect on 1 July 2025.
Mr Scott Hansen APVMA CEO has encouraged stakeholders to consider the 3 scenarios detailed in the consultation paper that will ensure the agency meets its regulatory obligations while remaining financially sustainable.
"We’re seeking views on 3 options that we feel balance the need for operational reform, address funding deficiencies, and prepare the APVMA to handle future challenges effectively," said Mr Hansen.
"Since the last comprehensive CRIS update in 2019, the APVMA has increased staff resources to ensure it is able to meet the full suite of its regulatory responsibilities. This increase in staffing resources, combined with the general increase in the cost of doing business since 2019, are the drivers of the changes to the current cost base of the APVMA and the budgeted deficit for the current financial year.
"This is reflected in scenario one which is the APVMA Board’s preferred option. It will see us maintain our current operations, service levels and fee structures. It accounts for inflation and aligns with our business cycle by focusing on recovering the actual costs of operations rather than projecting potential future costs.
"We will also implement yearly updates to our fees across all options so we can better respond to market conditions and avoid large fee increases. This will also mean the APVMA can take a more active role in monitoring and adjusting fees to reflect the real expenses of running the agency," said Mr Hansen.
Consultation is open for a period of 5 weeks, closing at 5pm on Friday 18 October 2024. The APVMA will hold a webinar on 18 September 2024 and encourages stakeholders to register to gain a deeper understanding of the scenarios.
For more information visit the APVMA website.