Senator Pocock Challenges Pesticide Boss Over Weedkiller Use in Australia
Published
Independent senator David Pocock has confronted the head of a pesticide company about the use of a weedkiller in Australia. The chemical has been linked to Parkinson's disease, a condition that affects the brain and movement. It is banned in around 70 countries around the world.
The weedkiller is still widely used in Australian farming. Health experts and campaigners have raised concerns for many years about the risks it may pose to people who work with it or live near farms where it is sprayed. Supporters of the product say it is an important tool for farmers who need to control weeds.
During the exchange, Senator Pocock pressed the company's leader on whether the product should remain available in Australia. He asked what evidence the company had to show that it is safe. The debate highlights a wider question about how Australia regulates chemicals that are banned or restricted in other countries.
The issue is likely to remain under discussion as politicians, regulators and industry groups consider the evidence. Readers who want to follow the story can expect more updates on any government decisions about the future of the weedkiller.
Sources: The Guardian
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