QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (14:46): I thank Senator Thorpe for the question and for the advance knowledge of the question as well. Firstly, thank you for your work with PFAS and the Senate inquiry. I understand that the recommendations are before us.

Can I say that, with the APVMA, clearly it is an independent regulator. They do make those decisions. But, in regard to the question specifically that you've asked, I understand that you will be also meeting with the minister in relation to the specific concerns that you've raised.

On 16 June 2026, the APVMA proposed an increase to the MRL—the maximum residue limit—for the pesticide isocycloseram. Maximum residue levels are set at levels that pose no risk to human health, and the true safety limits are based on human health and are called 'acceptable daily intake'—ADI—or 'acute reference dose'. MRLs are set far, far below these health limits.

The PRESIDENT: Senator Thorpe, first supplementary?