Canberra, ACT – Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement in tonight’s Federal Budget of $8.7 million in funding for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), acknowledging the regulator’s vital role in protecting animal health, supporting agricultural productivity and underpinning Australia’s biosecurity system.
This funding is a positive and practical step to support a robust, science‑based and efficient regulatory system, particularly at a time of increasing pressure on supply chains, global uncertainty and rising costs across the food and fibre sector.
“A well-resourced APVMA is essential to ensuring Australian farmers, veterinarians and animal owners have timely access to safe and effective veterinary medicines,” said AMA CEO Mr Ben Stapley.
“While this funding is welcome, more still needs to be done to support innovation and improve market access to veterinary medicines. Continued commitment will be needed to ensure long‑term regulatory performance and timely access to new and existing animal medicines.”
“Improvements in data protection and tighter controls for unregistered veterinary medicines are essential to ensure farmers, vets and pet owners have access to the latest innovations in animal health,” said Mr Stapley.
AMA also welcomes the additional $387 million of funding to CSIRO and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, strengthening Australia’s disease surveillance, preparedness and response capability.
AMA looks forward to working with the Government, the APVMA and industry stakeholders to ensure this investment delivers real improvements for animal health and the broader Australian community.
“Investment in regulatory capacity and disease preparedness directly supports Australia’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to animal disease threats,” Mr Stapley said.
ENDS
