Aerial distribution of fluoroacetic acid baits and pesticides
The Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 (MPA) commenced on 27 September 2021 and has designated aerial distributors as “approved persons” for the aerial distribution of certain types of fluoroacetic acid baits and pesticides.
The main objective of the MPA is to manage risks to public health from the use of regulated substances for industrial, agricultural and domestic purposes.
The MPA has integrated the poisons and the pest management provisions under the repealed Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (HDPR) and the Pest Management Act 2001 (the Pest Management Act) into a single regulatory system as they both apply to the use of hazardous chemicals.
The MPA only applies to pest animals and not pest plants or plant diseases.
Changes to aerial distribution
Aerial distribution of pesticides was previously excluded from the Pest Management Act. This exemption has now been removed under the MPA. Aerial distribution of fluoroacetic acid baits (1080) (less than or equal to 0.03%) did not require an approval under the HDPR.
Aerial distributors who qualify as Approved Persons to undertake regulated activities will be authorised as approved persons at commencement of the MPA on 27 September 2021. This will be an automatic process and will not require aerial distributors to take any further action.
What approved persons can do
Approved persons may carry out a specified regulated activity without a licence or general approval, subject to complying with requirements in the regulation.
Aerial distributors are designated as Approved Persons to carry out aerial distribution of low risk fluoroacetic acid baits (LRFABs) or pesticides subject to holding a specified licence and qualification requirements. Fluoroacetic acid (1080) is prescribed as a restricted Schedule 7 (RS7) poison under the MPA. All users must have an approval unless they are designated as an Approved Person.
Commercial contractors applying pesticides or fumigants or using 1080 in baits for invasive animal control (e.g. wild dogs) must hold an appropriate licence or approval unless they are an Approved Person under the MPA.
Requirements for Approved Persons
All Approved Persons will need to comply with storage, recordkeeping and purchase requirements set out under the regulations. Such requirements are consistent with requirements under the workplace health and safety and agricultural chemicals legislation.
Approved person | Scope of regulated activity | Requirements | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
Commercial pilots of manned aircraft | Aerial spraying of pesticides or distribution of 1080 baits using manned aircraft Authorised activities – possess, apply and dispose of pesticides or LRFABs |
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Pilots/ operators of remotely piloted aircraft | Aerial spraying of pesticides or distribution of 1080 baits using unmanned aircraft Authorised activities – possess, apply and dispose of pesticides or LRFABs |
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Aerial operator (entity) | Aerial spraying of pesticides or distribution of 1080 baits using manned and unmanned aircraft Authorised activities – buy, possess, supply, apply and dispose of pesticides or LRFABs |
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Apply for a licence
To apply for a pest management licence, use Pest management application forms, templates and fees.
Related information
Fact sheets
- Poisons and Pest Management for Primary Producers
- Transitional arrangements (PDF 253 kB)
- Poisons terms (PDF 392 kB)