The Australian Federal Government will launch an investigation into the regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

On last Friday, Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie announced an independent panel would be appointed to look into “every facet of agricultural and veterinary chemical regulation from the ground up.”

The Minister said the panel’s terms of reference was very broad to allow them to explore any matter they considered relevant.

“A 21st century agriculture sector demands a 21st century regulatory framework,” she said.

The Minister said the panel would be chaired by Mr Ken Matthews AO, former Chair and CEO of the Australian National Water Commission.

He will be supported by three expert panel members: Dr Craig Suann, Dr Mary Corbett and Dr Anne Astin PSM.

“Together, the panel members have a wealth of experience in regulation, agricultural production, veterinary medicines and human health,” the Minister said.

“The independent review will tell us a lot about how we can modernise our agricultural and veterinary chemical regulatory framework, and safely improve farmer and community access to agvet chemical products.

“This is a significant opportunity to streamline the agvet chemical regulatory framework so farmers can get on with the job of farming.”

The panel will work with a formal consultative group comprising representatives from chemical companies, farming industry groups and non-government organisations.

Members of the public will also have a chance to make submissions.

The review panel is expected to report back no later than February 2021.