This content is current only at the time of printing. This document was printed on 31 January 2023. A current copy is located at https://apvma.gov.au/node/15891
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Use of agvet chemicals in Australia
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) does not monitor or enforce the correct use of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals.
The correct use of agvet chemicals is first and foremost the user’s responsibility. The APVMA-approved directions for use are on the label of every registered agvet product in Australia and must be followed. The incorrect use of agvet chemicals in Australia is monitored and enforced collaboratively by the police, Safe Work Australia and state and territory government authorities.
The incorrect use of an agvet chemical can lead to health issues and harm pets, livestock, crops and the environment.
Furthermore, some of the approved safety and use directions on the label are legally binding – incorrect use can lead to fines, litigation and in some circumstances criminal prosecution.
If you suspect agvet chemicals are being used incorrectly or illegally, report it immediately to your state or territory government authority.
Control of use
State and territory governments are responsible for controlling the use of pesticides and veterinary medicines beyond the point of retail sale. In some states, more than one agency is involved.
Once a registered chemical product is sold or supplied to an end-user, it is controlled by state and territory legislation through legislative initiatives, codes of practice manuals, or standard operating procedures.
The following government agencies are responsible for managing the use of pesticides and veterinary medicines in each state and territory.
| State/territory | Agency responsible | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Capital Territory | Access Canberra | ACT Environment Protection Authority GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601 Phone: 13 22 81 or 02 6207 5311 Email: environment.protection@act.gov.au |
| New South Wales | Environmental Protection Agency |
NSW Environment Protection Authority Parramatta NSW 2124 |
| New South Wales | NSW Department of Primary Industries | Biosecurity NSW NSW Department of Primary Industries Locked Bag 21 Orange NSW 2800 Phone: 02 6391 3625 or 02 6391 3100 Mobile: 0429 793 085 Email: nswchemical.coordinator@industry.nsw.gov.au |
| Northern Territory | Department of Primary Industry and Resources | Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Department of Primary Industry and Resources GPO Box 3000 Darwin NT 0801 Phone: 08 8999 2102 Email: chemicals@nt.gov.au |
| Queensland | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries GPO Box 46 Brisbane QLD 4001 Phone: 13 25 23 or 07 3404 6999 Email: info@daf.qld.gov.au |
| South Australia | Department of Primary Industries and Regions |
Rural Chemicals Operations |
| Tasmania | Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment | Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment PO Box 46 Kings Meadows TAS 7249 Phone: 03 6777 2133 Mobile: 0408 365 461 Email: state.coordinator@dpipwe.tas.gov.au |
| Victoria | Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources | Agriculture Victoria Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources 475 Mickelham Rd Attwood VICTORIA 3049 Phone: 136 186 Email: VicChemicals.Coordinator@ecodev.vic.gov.au |
| Western Australia | Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development | Chemical Coordinator, Chemical Services Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Locked Bag No.4 Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Phone: 08 9368 3815 / 08 9368 3333 Mobile: 0427 193 838 Email: waagvetchemicalcoordinator@dpird.wa.gov.au |
| Western Australia | WA Health | Environment Health Directorate Public Health & Clinical Services Division Department of Health WA PO Box 8172 Perth Business Centre WA 6849 Phone: 08 9388 4946 Email: ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au |