Outrage over paraquat being used in Australia despite ban in 70 countries and link to Parkinson's: 'Concerning'

By CAITLIN POWELL - NEWS REPORTER Published: 02:09, 3 June 2026 | Updated: 02:09, 3 June 2026 Australians are questioning why a highly toxic weed killer linked to Parkinson’s disease is still being used by farmers, despite being banned in 70 countries.  Paraquat is a widely used herbicide that has been under review by Australia's agricultural watchdog since 1997. Health authorities, including Parkinson's Australia, have warned that even small amounts of exposure to the weed killer can lead to serious health consequences. Paraquat has been banned in 70 countries, including the UK, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.  China, one of the largest manufacturers of the chemical, restricts its domestic use.  Vermont was one of the first US states to ban the chemical, with Governor Phil Scott warning last week that exposure ‘substantially increases’ the risk of Parkinson’s disease, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and childhood leukaemia.  The Vermont ban has reignited debate in Australia, with footage from a fiery Senate Estimates hearing on May 28 now circulating online.  ACT Senator David Pocock asked Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) chief executive Peter Hansen why the regulator has been assessing paraquat since 1997, but had not taken action. ACT Senator David Pocock (pictured) grilled Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) chief executive Peter Hansen during a fiery Senate Estimates Health authorities have raised concerns about paraquat (pictured), over fears even small amounts of exposure to the chemical can lead to serious health consequences 'My understanding was that APVMA was finally, after 28 years of whatever it was, to make a decision last year. That hasn't happened?' Pocock said.  He then listed all of the countries that had banned the herbicide.  'Is that not concerning that we can have a 30-year review of a herbicide that in the meantime is being banned left, right and centre, including by a whole range of countries in West Africa that I assume don't have the resources that the APVMA would have available to you?' Pocock said. Mr Hansen insisted the report was delayed due to new research in the US, and that it was 'constantly evolving'. 'If we didn't think it was safe, we wouldn't be looking to make a decision that would allow it to continue to be used,' he said. 'If we thought it wasn't safe, we would be making a decision that looks to ban it… if it was imminent and urgent we would have taken actions already.' After the hearing, the APVMA published a statement acknowledging reports linking paraquat exposure to Parkinson’s disease. The regulator said it 'reassures the public that the health and safety of all Australians is the central consideration for the APVMA when making regulatory decisions'. Paraquat is a widely used herbicide that has been under review by Australia's agricultural watchdog since 1997 'As the independent regulator, the APVMA must follow a rigorous statutory process and is unable to pre-empt or release the findings of final decisions before they are formally published.  'A final regulatory decision on the reconsideration of paraquat remains on track to be handed down in mid-2026.' Parkinson's Australia has called on the regulator to ban paraquat. It launched a petition in September 2024 that has reached 17,000 signatures so far.  'Research has consistently demonstrated the connection between paraquat exposure and Parkinson's disease,' the charity wrote in the description. 'And it doesn't stop there, the chemical's toxicity is so severe that even minimal exposure can have devastating effects.' However, some farmers in Australia have insisted the weed killer is a necessity for their industry. National Farmers Federation said paraquat is critical in Australia National Farmers Federation president Hamish McIntyre said farmers rely on the APVMA to determine which products they can use and how to use them.  'Farmers take chemical use very seriously and need to abide by strict label directions and PPE guidelines when using approved products,' he said in a statement. 'Paraquat allows Australian farmers to grow high-quality, safe and sustainable produce in the face of an increasingly volatile climate and growing demand for food and fibre. This product is critical to controlling weeds and allows 'no-till' farming.  'This helps protect soil structure, reduce erosion, retain soil moisture and lower machinery use. These practices can contribute to improved soil health and reduced emissions.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.