COMMITTEES

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory—Independent ACT Whip) (11:44): I move: That the Senate— (a) notes that: (i) the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee has resolved not to hold a public hearing as part of its inquiry into the continued use and regulation of paraquat, and (ii) this decision denies the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), scientific and medical experts, industry representatives, farmers and people living with Parkinson's disease the opportunity to give evidence publicly, share their experiences and be questioned by senators on matters relevant to the inquiry; and (b) directs the committee to: (i) conduct at least one public hearing as part of its inquiry into the continued use and regulation of paraquat, with a total duration of not less than 5 hours, (ii) require the attendance of representatives of the APVMA to give evidence and answer questions concerning the regulation, safety assessment and continued use of paraquat in Australia, and (iii) take all reasonable steps to identify, invite and facilitate the participation of people living with Parkinson's disease who have been exposed to paraquat, including farmers and agricultural workers, to ensure they have a meaningful opportunity to give evidence and answer questions at the public hearing.