Statement on the independent evaluation of the APVMA

On Friday afternoon, I approved a request from Ken Matthews AO to extend the deadline for his independent evaluation of the APVMA.

Mr Matthews will now have until October 27 to submit his report.

At my request, the APVMA Board commissioned Mr Matthews to conduct a rapid evaluation into the operations of the APVMA following serious findings by Clayton Utz of systemic problems with the administration and governance of the agricultural chemical regulator.

Concerningly, the Clayton Utz review found serious allegations of industry capture of the APVMA, which appears to have played a key role in the organisation not performing its full regulatory responsibilities.

Former Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce’s decision to move the regulator to Armidale - a decision opposed by everyone from the National Farmers Federation to industry peak body CropLife - was found to be a key factor in the issues raised in the report.

The Government will consider any recommendations in Mr Matthews’ evaluation.