Paraquat Herbicide Stays Legal in Australia: 70 Countries Banned It. The APVMA Approved It With Restrictions. Who Is Right?

Australia's chemical regulator has approved the restricted use of paraquat herbicide, a controversial weedkiller linked to Parkinson's disease and banned in 70 countries. The APVMA found "the weight of evidence does not show" a link to Parkinson's, while Parkinson's Australia slammed the decision as "shocking."

For 30 years, Parkinson's Australia campaigned to ban paraquat herbicide. The chemical regulator took 30 years to review it. And on June 23, 2026, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority delivered its decision.

Paraquat will stay legal. With restrictions.

The APVMA found "the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure through approved uses increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease."  Instead of a ban, the regulator slashed maximum application rates from 1150 grams per hectare to just 231 grams per hectare, phased out backpack sprayers, and required enclosed mixing and loading systems for all uses.

The decision puts Australia in a lonely position. Paraquat herbicide is banned in 70 countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, Brazil, and China. Only Australia and the United States still allow its use under strict regulations.

Parkinson's Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris called it "shocking."  "In the 30 years they've been reviewing this chemical, 70 countries around the world have banned it. Yet we've still got Aussie farmers using it every day. We're the last to act here, and we've failed."

Farming groups celebrated. Grain Producers Australia welcomed the decision, saying paraquat and diquat are "critical weed management tools that underpinned minimum and no-till farming systems" that have "delivered enormous productivity gains while helping growers protect their soils, conserve moisture and reduce their environmental footprint."

Here is the question that neither side is answering. The regulator found no clear Parkinson's link. Parkinson's Australia says the regulator is wrong. Who is telling the truth? And when 70 other countries have banned it, what does Australia know that the rest of the world does not?

The review considered 171 submissions from scientists, doctors, the agricultural industry and other interested parties. New registration conditions apply to labels from today, with existing stock phased out over two years.

As the APVMA approves restricted use of paraquat herbicide, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When health advocates and scientists are fighting against farmers and regulators, how do we know who is right? And what does it take for Australia to ban a chemical banned by 70 other countries?

FAQ:

Q: What is paraquat herbicide?
A: Paraquat herbicide is a fast-acting, non-selective weedkiller used in Australian agriculture to control resistant weeds in crops like cotton, rice, and wheat.

Q: Why is paraquat herbicide controversial?
A: Paraquat herbicide has been linked to Parkinson's disease and has been banned in 70 countries including the UK, EU, and China due to its toxicity.

Q: Did Australia ban paraquat herbicide?
A: No, the APVMA approved paraquat herbicide for restricted use, slashing application rates and banning backpack sprayers.

Q: How many countries have banned paraquat herbicide?
A: Paraquat herbicide has been banned in 70 countries worldwide.

Q: What did Parkinson's Australia say about the paraquat decision?
A: Parkinson's Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris slammed the decision as "shocking" and said the regulator has failed to protect Australians.

Q: Is there evidence that paraquat herbicide causes Parkinson's?
A: The APVMA found "the weight of evidence does not show that paraquat exposure through approved uses increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease."