A Quick Guide to the New 1080 Baiting Arrangements in the NT - 2

 Download the Quick Guide

The regulations controlling the use of 1080 for pest animal baiting are changing. 

Landholders wishing to conduct 1080 baiting program on thier property must obtain an approval from the Chemical Services section plus a Permit to Take Protected Wildlife from the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS). 

NRETAS currently carry out fresh meat 1080 pest animal baiting at no cost to landholders.  NRETAS will commence charging for this service on 1 September 2009.

Legislation Controlling the Registration and Use of Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical Products

There are two Acts that cover registration and use of agricultural and veterinary chemical products.

They are:

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act (1994) and the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 2004.

Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 (Agvet Code Act)
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) administers the Agvet Code Act on behalf of the States and Territories. The Agvet Code Act makes provisions for the evaluation and registration of agricultural and veterinary chemical products (chemical products) and for their regulation up to and including the point of retail sale.

The Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 2004 (Control of Use Act)
The 'Control of Use' Act controls the use of agricultural and veterinary chemical products. Control of use over chemical products is a State/ Territory responsible.

Thus, a person cannot use an unregistered chemical product unless the use is authorised by an APVMA permit. A veterinarian has a right to prescribe within certain limitations, and a person may use a veterinary chemical product according to the written directions of a veterinarian. Provisions within the 'Control of Use' Act enable a person that has purchased a chemical product whose registration has lapsed to use the product in accord with label instructions for a period of two years.

The Act has a number of provisions that together provide a framework to prevent the occurrence of illegal chemical residues. Chemical Advisers have powers under the 'Control of Use' Act to sample and test agricultural produce for chemical residues.

The Act also regulates aerial and ground application of agricultural chemicals, except domestic and commercial pest control operators, that are licensed by Territory Health Services.  Spray businesses must also be licensed.

Persons applying chemical products, other than home garden products, must keep appropriate records.

Other Legislation that impacts the Use of Chemical Products

• The Dangerous Goods Act
• The Water Act
• The Waste Management and Pollution Control Act
• The Work Health Act