Aerial distributors

The Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 (MPA) has designated aerial distributors as 'approved persons' for the aerial distribution of low-risk fluoroacetic acid baits (LRFAB).

LRFABs include fresh (meat, grain, fruit, vegetables) or manufactured, shelf-stable baits with a concentration of not greater than 0.5 grams of fluoroacetic acid (1080) per kilogram of bait (0.05%).

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 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.

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
  • Holds a commercial pilot licence issued by Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) that is endorsed with an aerial application rating
  • Holds, or is employed by the holder of, an air operator’s certificate issued by CASA that is endorsed with an aerial application rating
  • Has a Spraysafe accreditation issued by the Aerial Application Association of Australia Limited

LRFABs—applies to all areas within the state

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
  • Holds a remote pilot licence issued by CASA
  • Holds, or is employed by the holder of, a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate issued by CASA
  • Has obtained a statement of attainment stating the person has successfully completed the core pesticide competencies or has Spraysafe accreditation issued by the Aerial Application Association of Australia Limited

LRFABs—applies to all areas within the state

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

Holds an air operator certificate issued by CASA that is endorsed with an aerial application rating

LRFABs—applies to all areas within the state

Apply for a licence

To apply for a pest management licence, use Pest management application forms, templates and fees.

Related information

Factsheets

Departmental standards

Last updated: 19 August 2025