Domestic Policy

The Livestock Industries and Agvet Chemicals branch in the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is responsible for leading the development of national policy on agricultural chemicals and veterinary medicines (agvet chemicals).

Agvet chemicals include a range of products primarily developed to protect crops, livestock and domestic animals. They have brought long term benefits to Australian agriculture by reducing the effects of weeds, pests and diseases on agricultural and forest production. This has led to increased productivity, better quality produce and more competitive industries.

The chemicals are well regulated to ensure they are used properly and do not harm humans and non–target animals and plants. The definitions of agvet chemicals are set out in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994.

An agreement between the Commonwealth and the states and territories establishing the National Registration Scheme requires DAFF to consult with all parties to the agreement on changes to agvet legislation. In regards to the Council of Australian Government (COAG) agvet reforms, DAFF consults with the states and territories through the newly created National Agvet Systems Policy (NASP) Taskforce. Membership of the NASP Taskforce includes representatives from the departments that have primary responsibility for agvet issues in each state and territory. The NASP Taskforce reports through the Primary Industries Standing Committee(PISC) as a sub–committee of the Standing Council on Primary Industries (SCoPI).