ABOUT
US > Committees > APVMA
CCC
The
Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Association
Community Consultative Committee 2005 - 2006
About
the Committee
Members
Update - APVMA Community Gateway & E-bulletin
If you would like to bring your community views to the APVMA CCC
meetings, email ccc@apvma.gov.au
Meeting Notes & Minutes CCC34 March 3rd
2005
Meeting Notes & Minutes CCC35 June 23rd
2005
Meeting Notes & Minutes CCC36 August 25th
2005
Meeting Notes & Minutes CCC38 March 23rd
2006
Meeting Notes & Minutes for 2004
Meeting Notes & Minutes for 2003
Matters on Which the APVMA is Seeking Committee
Input
About
the Committee
The Australian Pesticides
and Veterinary medicines Authority (APVMA) is the National Registration
Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals. (They have
recently changed their name from the NRA). They operate the national
system which evaluates, registers and regulates agricultural and
veterinary chemicals. Any changes to a product which is already
on the market must also be referred to the APVMA. Under the National
Registration Scheme, companies must supply the APVMA with extensive
data about the product. The APVMA also reviews products which have
been on the market for many years to ensure that they meet contemporary
standards. It manages a national compliance program to ensure that
products supplied in Australia continue to meet the conditions of
registration.
The CCC (community consultative committee) is the only
one of eight committees where the general public can have input
to the APVMA. It meets quarterly. The APVMA now have a Community
section on their web. Through the e-bulletin and the Community
Consultative Committee’s web page you can have access
to detailed reports about chemicals under review, policy reviews,
regulatory actions and initiatives. Email ccc@apvma.gov.au
UPDATE
2006
The APVMA has recently introduced new developments in the way they
communicate via email with stakeholders including members of the
Australian community. To make sure you hear all the latest from
the APVMA, you need to subscribe to the online announcement facility
at
http://www.apvma.gov.au/listserv/subscription_registration.shtml
The
APVMA has a number of online publications and announcements that
may interest you. The electronic newsletter provides a range of
information about APVMA activities and is distributed 6-8 times
per year. The APVMA can also provide you with targeted information
and updates about specific issues or topics of interest. The APVMA
CCC produces a community e-bulletin 4 times per year, produced specifically
for members of the public with an interest in pesticide regulation.
Members:
Jenni Mack – (Chair) Australian Consumers Assoc (NSW)
Sid Cowling – Organic Federation of Australia; Australian
Independent Organic Inspectors Assoc (VIC)
Peter Cone - Cotton Australia
Liz Hanna – Public Health Assoc, Royal College of Nursing
(VIC)
Anne Stanton – National Toxics Network (retiring)
APVMA Scientist Tim Doyle – vet/antibiotics
AVPMA Ag chem. Review manager David Loshke
Jo Immig - National Toxics Network (NNSW)
Jo Elbustani -
Sam Beechey – Aust Workers Union, Famsafe Australia (VIC)
APVMA PR and assistant Kathleen Allan
APVMA Pesticides Division and Executive Eva Bennet Jenkins
June
2005
Farewell and thanks to outgoing members Andy Duncan, Jane Fuller
and Alison Brinson!
CCC34
Minutes
Meeting
Notes for CCC34 - March 3rd 2005
Mixing of liquid fertilisers and agvets: This
item went to both the Registration Liaison committee, who would
prefer warnings as opposed to "no" statements on product
labels; and the Industry Liaison committee. Andrew Duncan reports
that industry is promoting mixing in WA. This industry will be contacted
by APVMA. Control of use in the States needs to be harmonised with
label requirements. The CCC also recommended contacting ChemCert
to specifically include a warning against mixing of agvet chemicals.
GE
crops and pesticide use: The CCC requested a written reponse
to questions raised re monitoring of glyphosate resistance. Industry
is not monitored by the APVMA on trial applications, but is subject
to State control of use legislation. However, there is no standard
process for the States to report back to APVMA.
Spray
Drift Update: States and industry recently consulted in regard
to compliance and enforcement issues. The CCC suggested the following
- community input needs better facilitation, perhaps using the APVMA
website; that APVMA should consult with insurance companies re claims;
a software package for farmers to assess environmental conditions
re spraying (an existing industry model is now restricted due to
terrorism issues); and that APVMA compile and target a list of communities
living with spray drift issues, and promote the AERP as a vehicle
for community reporting in these areas.
Labelling
Concepts: The CCC suggested the use of symbols on labels and
a poster of key codes, in line with the Global Harmonisation SYstem,
to target non-english speakers and users with poor literacy. Other
suggestions included a durable batch number, "No liability"
warning, and the AERP 1800 contact number on page 1 of accompanying
booklet
Community
consultation links: The CCC is concerned re the lack of APVMA
follow-up on issues which involve State control of use legislation,
as in recent concerns over aerial spraying by the forestry industry
in Tasmania. A strategic paper will be presented at the next meeting
to discuss ways of overcoming this problem, and co-ordinating community
input from the states with the CCC.
Minor
Use Reform: The APVMA Board is focusing on consolidating permits,
timeframes, assessment, labels and overseas programs. However, there
is no monitoring of minor use permits to check compliance.
CCA
Review: Australian Building codes and standards are being amended.
Imported CCA-treated timber is still a problem.
1080
Review: will be released with amendments in one month.
Virginiamycin
Review: Industry is initiating court action against the restrictions.
Atrazine
Review: The review team was criticised by NTN for relying on
a "weight of evidence" approach, using industry data,
to support continued use of this persistent toxic herbicide in Australia,
particularly when atrazine is being phased out and alternatives
are already being used in Europe.
CCC35
Minutes
Meeting
Notes for CCC35 - June 23rd 2005
ChemCert Schism: Serous friction between State
and National Chemcert organisations was reported to the APVMA Board.
Community Concerns: Sugar Cane chemicals have the Lismore
community concerned, and residents of Byron Shire are protesting
over use of glyphosate and endosulphan in their area.
Glyphosate:
New evidence from a US University questions the claim that Glyphosate
is inactivated by soil in the water column. Questions have been
asked about strategies for herbicide resistance and the over-use
of glyphosate on GE crops. APVMA is satisfied, based on a weight
of evidence approach, that environmental, and crop efficacy and
safety risks have been adequately assessed.
CCA-treated timber: Questions have been raised by the comunity
regarding the inadequacy of the CCA-treated timber review decisions,
in regard to import and export, domestic fences and retaining walls,
existing structures and hazardous waste disposal.
Cotton Industry tackles Spray drift & gin residues: New
member Peter Cone reports that the cotton industry is focusing on
education, forums, and training to address problems with 24D spray
drift from adjoining land use. Feedback loops and penalties are
also being used to ensure compliance, so that endosulphan-contaminated
gin trash is not used as livestock feed.
Mirex
Use in Australia: NTN is calling for an immediate ban on Mirex,
one of the "dirty dozen" most persistent organic pollutants.
Jo Immig asked a number of questions on compliance monitoring, exemptions
and conditions of use until 2009. Fipronil is being proposed as
an alternative.
Adverse
Experience Reporting Program: Members are in agreement that
the AERP is under-resourced and inadequately promoted. APVMA has
again appointed new staff, widened its campaign contacts, and agreed
to provide more detailed budgetary information to the CCC in an
effort to progress this issue. No mention has been made of the promised
1800 phone number.
AERP
Internal Avisory Committee: Professor Nicholas Buckley, (Director
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Canberra Hospital)
is the newly appointed medical advisor to the committee. Unfortunately,
he does not recognise Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a useful
or acceptable diagnostic criteria, and is critical of the term and
his professional colleagues who use it.
CCC36
Minutes (not yet available)
Meeting
Notes for CCC36 - August 25th 2005
Member
Reports
FarmSafe Australia Chairman, Mr. Don Sutherland, has joined the
CCC, from the grain and wool area of WA. The APVMA have also appointed
a new public affairs officer, Mr. Simon Cubit, whose previous experience
is in corporate communication, recreation, tourism and environment.
Sam Beechey reproted a Q-fever outbreak in Vic, with no vaccine
available.
Peter Cone is concerned that increased weed spraying will follow
the recent rains on the east coast, and that the number of pesticide
inspectors has been reduced to only three, making compliance and
enforcement an issue for NSW and Queensland. He also reports issues
with spraydrift, lack of training in Qld, and 24-D; and suggested
that the spraydrift booklet needs to be available as a cheap hard
copy resource. It is available on the APVMA web in pdf format.
From NNSW, Jo Immig reports that the use of endosulphan on macadamias,
and glyphosate on camphor laurel and bitou bush, is causing concern
in the community. She reported on the Children's Environmental campaign
by National Toxics Network, which is working through state and federal
members towards legislative change. Another child-focused project
by the Total Environment Centre in Sydney, is aiming to educate
parents on hazardous household chemicals, and APVMA have offered
to assist with information. The third part of an article on pesticides,
by Jo Immig, is in the latest Organic Gardener magazine, focusing
on pesticide residues.
Pesticide Odour Group
David Loschke reported on testing done in two cotton towns, using
new sensor technology to detect pesticides and odour concentration
in air, in parts per trillion. Adverse health events, such as nausea
and headaches are reported for prophenphos, for example, which has
a strong captan odour. A re-formed working group will begin work
in November.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
CEO Joe Smith reported on the APVMA Board discussion of MCS, which
is interested in community "right to know" issues, and
will encourage research into MCS, in line with international chemical
safety protocols.
The SA Taskforce Report on Multiple Sensitivity was provided with
the meeting papers for discussion, along with papers provided by
Professor Buckley, for the case against MCS. The APVMA and the Office
of Chemical Safety also outlined their positions on MCS, which remain
unchanged. However the OCS is currently researching gaps in the
evidence relating to the underlying mode of action of chemicals
that have MCS effects. It was suggested that APVMA lend weight to
reform on chemical injury assessment within the Office of
Chemical Safety and Dept. of Health, noting the lack of an agreed
mechanism by which a pesticide or combination of pesticides can
be assessed by APVMA for their potential to initiate or exacerbate
chemical injury and sensitivity.
APVMA Board Report
The new fees legislation has resulted in a better financial postion.
A new Board will be appointed for 2006. Discussions included animal
welfare; the new Risk Impact Statement on food additives; an end
to home use of carbaryl, with the review completed; the phase out
of methyl bromide, now under review;a changing focus by NFF towards
resources and sustainability; and an impending ANAO audit in October.
Stakeholder Communication
APVMA reports pressure from registrants for a cheaper registration
process, more consultation, and input to policy reform. The Board
is concerned that agvet users are under represented in its consultation
process, and would like to make more contact with rural communities.
Consideration is being given to holding user forums on particular
issues, encouraging better community consultation by other agencies,
and improving linkages between related committees.
Minor
Use Permits
About 500 minor use (off label) permits are being issued per year,
mostly to peak industry groups and government. 52% are for use on
food crops, 15% on broad acre crops. In most cases, existing risk
assessments are used, and chemicals under review are included. There
is a need to encourage communication between grower groups, and
coordinate applications, audits, feedback and monitoring of efficacy,
health and residues. The CCC has appointed a sub-group to investigate
how DAFF might be encouraged to focus on agvvet use reduction and
IPM alternatives, as well as reduced risk chemistry.
Product Safety & Integrity Committee
PSIC is the policy arm of Dept of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
(DAFF). Their main aim is to achieve nationally consistent principles
on agvet chemicals, and they have held two stakeholder workshops.
CCC members atended both, and have provided input throught the Chair
to DAFF. PSIC attended CCC36 to explore better community and stakeholder
consultation processes. Two suggestions were an online reporting
form on the web, and a well-designed research protocol for use by
community groups to encourage data collection.
AERP
Ag
An internal review will be conducted prior to the 2006 review of
the program. Industry has shown a reluctance to give up annual AERP
reports, and has been putting pressure on APVMA over Section 161
of the Agvet Code, which allows the regulator to collect data from
registrant companies. APVMA is developing guidelines in response
to this legislative challenge. In contrast, the AERP Vet collects
most of its reports from the vet industry and vet registrants, and
is operating with much more success.
CCA-Treated Timber
The Ausralian Building Codes Board (ABCB) wants to see "market
failure" to respond to the CCA review, before amending the
building code for decking and handrails. APVMA will further seek
support from Commonwealth and State consumer protection agencies
to regulate uses, and liaise with AQIS and Australian Customs to
tackle the import of CCA timber. A link to an update on sealants,
published by the US EPA, can be found on the APVMA website.
Glyphosate
Ongoing correspondence to APVMA regarding glyphosate use in
residential areas, and MCS, was discussed. A member request to APVMA
also concerned recently published adverse effects of glyphosate
on frogs and tadpoles, and whether this warranted a more urgent
priority for review. APVMA have declined to consider a review of
glyphosate at this stage.
CCC38
Minutes (not yet available)
Meeting
Notes for CCC38 - March 23rd 2006
This
was my last meeting, so further updates will depend on ongoing reports
from Jo Immig and the new NTN representative, yet to be announced.
We will attempt to keep these pages updated.
APVMA
is keen to involve more community organisations via subscription
to the CCC e-bulletin, at http://www.apvma.gov.au/listserv/subscription_registration.shtml
Member
Reports
ChemCert Training is reported by Sam to be in disarray. A 2 day
competency-based course is required to train users of agvet chemicals,
but there is pressure to reduce this to a half-day course. Jo Ebulstani,
a tomato grower from the Sydney Basin, commented that the practical
part of the course could be done in one day, and the theoretical
part completed at home, although he mentioned that many users are
not competent in English.
The
Aerial Baiting Program in Victoria is still causing concern, due
to the risk to bird and fauna populations. Bee keepers have requested
changes to the labelling of pesticides with respect to safety of
bees. Spray drift is still impacting farms in Emerald, Central Queensland.
Growers
in the Sydney Basin want practical and safe alternatives to agvet
chemicals. Sid reports a need for a research arm to the Organic
Federation of Australia, and would appreciate some support from
CSIRO and DAFF. There is a need for harmonisation of national standards
set by AQIS, which do not meet the more stringent standards set
by NASA and BFA. DAFF and the APVMA Registration Liaison Committee
are looking into acceptable treatments in organic farming.
THe
Public Health Association member, Liz Hanna, noted the need to skill
up the primary health care workforce re exposures to agvets, and
reports increased requests from OH&S nurses in industrial settings.
On
the global front, Eva reported that the U.S and Europe are working
together to review chemical risks, and work-sharing with the Australian
regulator. Product
Recalls
APVMA presented an outline of protocols for product recalls. It
was noted that DOHA advice on recalls are not cross-referenced with
Adverse Experience Reports, although an AER has instigated a product
recall.
APVMA's
legislative power to recall products stops at the retailer, so that
consumers and users of products cannot be required to return recalled
products. It was also noted that there is no international tracking
of recalled agricultural products, although vet products are tracked.
CCA-treated
timber
APVMA
have gone to some effort to inform stakeholders of the restricted
status of CCA-treated products, and have received many calls from
the public. Alternatives are still scarce, and sealants will need
to be re-applied every 6-8 months to be effective. It was noted
that the enHealth positioning statements on CCA are unsatisfactory
and misleading, and this will be followed up by Liz Hanna.
Minor
Use
Jo Immig submitted a comprehensive paper on the new Minor Use Permits,
which is being acted on by APVMA. DEH and the OCS will explore criteria
to determine reduced risk, in line with the US EPA Minor Use program.
Jo suggested the importance of exploring the role of non-chemical
and organic methods of pest control, and noted the possible obstacles
presented by industry liability issues in relation to minor use
permits and products.
AERP Ag
Generally, the promotion of this program is still inadequate,
although APVMA have made efforts to do some market research, which
suggested that continual promotion is necessary. Numbers of reports
are down and awareness appears to be still poor among the medical
communiy and local councils.
Matters on Which the APVMA is Seeking
Committee Input:
1. Development of the Adverse
Experience Reporting Program for agricultural chemical products
(AERP Ag) This
program has been many years coming, and is the first step towards
urgently needed national monitoring of human health and the environment.
CCC Members have expressed a number of concerns about the proposal
in its current form, including the fact that the reports rely on
GP diagnosis when many have inadequate knowledge of toxicology,
and that it is not mandatory for medical practitioners to report
AER’s; and the lack of media promotion of the program.
The AERP is now up and running, but is failing to attract
much attention. You can download an incident reporting pack at the
APVMA web, www.apvma.gov.auqa/aerp_ag.shtml
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