This inquiry was initiated in response to concerns about pesticides and their impact on bees. There has been general concern in Australia about the safety of chemicals in general, the safety of glyphosate more specifically, and the need to ban the use of neonicotinoid-based pesticides.

The extensive publicity surrounding methamphetamine contamination, along with exaggerated claims about the health risks posed by living in dwellings where residues of the drug can be detected, has led to considerable concern especially amongst tenants, landlords, and potential home buyers and property investors.

The panel reviewed twenty recently published key Australian and international reports and academic reviews that had examined scientific studies on potential human health effects of PFAS exposure. The panel also undertook a public consultation to inform them of the communities’ concerns regarding PFAS, and their suggestions for future research.

These guidelines are directed at non-workplace exposure to asbestos in the air and to help public health units of district health boards address public concerns and give sensible advice.

This report examined the implications of restricting the use of fenthion, which is a chemical used for insect pest control, particularly for fruit fly. Background On 12 December 2013, the Senate referred the following matter to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2014: The implications...