1Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994

Version No. 026 **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** **No. 73 of 1994** Version incorporating amendments as at 22 October 2025 **table of provisions** *Section Page* Part 1—Preliminary 2 1 Purpose 2 2 Commencement 2 3 Definitions 2 4 Jervis Bay Territory 6 Part 2—The Agvet Code, and the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction 7 5 Application of Agvet Code in this jurisdiction 7 6 Application of Agvet Regulations in this jurisdiction 7 7 Interpretation of Agvet Code and Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction 7 8 Ancillary offences (aiding, abetting, accessories, attempts, incitement or conspiracy) 8 Part 3—Citing the Agvet Codes, and the Agvet Regulations, of other jurisdictions 10 9 References to Agvet Codes and Agvet Regulations of other jurisdictions 10 10 References to Agvet Codes and Agvet Regulations 10 Part 4—Application of Agvet Codes to the Crown 12 11 Agvet Code of this jurisdiction 12 12 Agvet Code of other jurisdictions 12 13 Crown not liable to prosecution 12 14 This Part overrides the prerogative 12 Part 5—Application of Commonwealth administrative laws to Agvet Code and Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction 13 15 Object 13 16 Application of Commonwealth administrative laws in relation to applicable provisions 13 17 Duties, functions and powers conferred on Commonwealth officers and authorities 14 18 Reference in Commonwealth administrative law to a provision of another law 14 18A Construction of references to Part 7 of Commonwealth ART Act 15 Part 7—The National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals 16 21 Conferral of functions and powers on NRA 16 22 Agreements and arrangements 16 23 Conferral of other functions and powers for purposes of law in this jurisdiction 17 23A Consultation with Gene Technology Regulator 17 24 Commonwealth Minister may give directions in exceptional circumstances 18 Part 8—Miscellaneous 19 25 Orders 19 26 Manufacturing principles 19 27 Delegation 19 28 Conferral of powers on State officers or employees 19 28A Inspectors and analysts 20 28B Validation of actions of inspectors and analysts 20 29 Application of fees and taxes 21 30 Documents or substances held by previous registering authority may be given to NRA 21 31 Exemptions from liability for damages 22 31A Supreme Court—limitation of jurisdiction 24 32 Regulations 24 33 Eligible laws 25 33A Transitional provision—Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) (Amendment) Act 2001 25 Part 9—Imposition of fees and taxes 26 34 Fees (including taxes) 26 Part 10—Conferral of functions on Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions 27 35 Conferral of functions on Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions 27 Part 11—Relationship with other State laws 29 36 Relationship with other State laws 29 Endnotes 31 1 General information 31 2 Table of Amendments 33 3 Explanatory details 35 **Version No.** **026** **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** **No. 73 of 1994** Version incorporating amendments as at 22 October 2025 **Preamble** Recognising— (a) that the protection of the health and safety of human beings, animals and the environment is essential to the well-being of society and can be enhanced by putting in place a system to regulate agricultural chemical products and veterinary chemical products; and (b) that the principle of ecologically sustainable development requires a regulatory system that is designed to ensure that the use of such products today will not impair the prospects of future generations; and (c) that the furthering of trade and commerce between Australia and places outside Australia, and the present and future economic viability and competitiveness of primary industry and of a domestic industry for manufacturing and formulating such products, are essential for the well-being of the economy and require a system for regulating such products that is cost effective, efficient, predictable, adaptive and responsive; and (d) that it is desirable to establish a regulatory system that is open and accountable and gives opportunity for public input with respect to the regulation of such products; and (e) that the system should, so far as practicable, be uniform throughout Australia; and (f) that uniformity could best be achieved by the enactment of legislation by the Parliament of the Commonwealth as a law for the government of the Australian Capital Territory and the adoption of that legislation by the Parliaments and legislatures of the States and the Northern Territory. **The Parliament of Victoria therefore enacts as follows:** Part 1—Preliminary 1 Purpose The purpose of this Act is to apply certain laws of the Commonwealth relating to agricultural and veterinary chemical products as laws of Victoria. 2 Commencement (1) Part 1 comes into operation on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the remaining provisions of this Act come into operation on a day or days to be proclaimed. (3) If a provision referred to in subsection (2) does not come into operation within the period of 12 months beginning on, and including, the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent, it comes into operation on the first day after the end of that period. 3 Definitions (1) In this Act— ***Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act*** means the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994 of the Commonwealth; ***Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act*** means the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act 1992 of the Commonwealth; ***Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act*** means the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 of the Commonwealth; ***Agvet Code of Victoria*** means the provisions applying because of section 5; ***Agvet Regulations of Victoria*** means the provisions applying because of section 6; ***applicable provision***, in relation to a jurisdiction, means a provision of— (a) the Agvet Code of that jurisdiction; or (b) the Agvet Regulations of that jurisdiction; or (c) a law of the Commonwealth that applies in that jurisdiction in relation to a provision of or offence against the Agvet Code or Agvet Regulations of that jurisdiction; ***authority***, in relation to the Commonwealth, has the meaning given in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act; S. 3(1) def. of *Common-wealth administrative laws* amended by Nos 22/2000 s. 3(1)(a)(b), 41/2025 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 4.1). ***Commonwealth administrative laws*** means— (a) the following Acts— (i) the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 of the Commonwealth (excluding Part 7); * * * * * (iii) the Freedom of Information Act 1982 of the Commonwealth; (iv) the Ombudsman Act 1976 of the Commonwealth; (v) the Privacy Act 1988 of the Commonwealth; and (b) the regulations in force under those Acts; ***Commonwealth ancillary criminal laws*** has the meaning given by section 8; ***Commonwealth Minister*** means ***the Minister*** within the meaning of the Agvet Code of the participating Territories; S. 3(1) def. of *confer* inserted by No. 39/2001 s. 4. ***confer*** includes impose; ***corresponding Act*** means an Act of another jurisdiction that corresponds to this Act; ***corresponding law*** means— (a) a corresponding Act; or (b) regulations made under a corresponding Act; or (c) the Agvet Code, Agvet Regulations, or another applicable provision, of another jurisdiction; or (d) rules of court made under a corresponding Act; S. 3(1) def of *function* inserted by No. 39/2001 s. 4. ***function*** includes a duty; S. 3(1) def. of *instrument* amended by Nos 68/2009 s. 97(Sch. item 6), 6/2018 s. 68(Sch. 2 item 4). ***instrument*** means any document whatever, including— (a) an Act or an instrument made under an Act; or (b) a law of this jurisdiction or an instrument made under such a law; or (c) an award or other industrial determination or order, or an industrial agreement; or (d) any other order (whether executive, judicial or otherwise); or (e) a notice, certificate or licence; or (f) an agreement; or (g) an application made, information or complaint laid, charge-sheet filed, affidavit sworn or affirmed, or warrant issued, for any purpose; or (h) an indictment, summons or writ; or (i) any other pleading in, or process issued in connection with, a legal or other proceeding; ***jurisdiction*** means a State or the participating Territories; ***law***, in relation to a participating Territory, means a law of, or in force in, that Territory; ***NRA*** means the National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals established by the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act; ***officer***, in relation to the Commonwealth, has the meaning given in the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act; ***participating Territory*** means— (a) the Australian Capital Territory; or (b) another Territory that is declared by regulations in force under section 25 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act to be a participating Territory; ***State*** includes the Northern Territory of Australia; ***Territory*** means a Territory referred to in section 122 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth, other than the Northern Territory of Australia, Norfolk Island, the Territory of Christmas Island or the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands; ***this jurisdiction*** means Victoria. (2) In this Act, a reference to a Commonwealth Act includes a reference to— (a) that Commonwealth Act as amended and in force for the time being; and (b) an Act enacted in substitution for that Act. 4 Jervis Bay Territory For the purposes of this Act, and the Agvet Code and the Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction, the Jervis Bay Territory is taken to be part of the Australian Capital Territory. Part 2—The Agvet Code, and the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction 5 Application of Agvet Code in this jurisdiction The Code set out in the Schedule to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act as in force for the time being— (a) applies as a law of Victoria; and (b) as so applying, may be cited as the Agvet Code of Victoria. 6 Application of Agvet Regulations in this jurisdiction The regulations in force for the time being under section 6 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act— (a) apply as regulations in force for the purposes of the Agvet Code of Victoria; and (b) as so applying, may be referred to as the Agvet Regulations of Victoria. 7 Interpretation of Agvet Code and Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction (1) In the Agvet Code, and the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction— ***the Minister for this jurisdiction*** means the Minister; ***this jurisdiction*** means Victoria. (2) Subject to Part 1 of the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction, the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 of the Commonwealth as in force for the time being applies as a law of this jurisdiction to— (a) the Agvet Code, and the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction; and (b) any instrument made, granted or issued under that Code or those Regulations. (3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the Commonwealth Act mentioned in that subsection applies as if— (a) the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction were a Commonwealth Act; and (b) the Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction or instruments mentioned in that subsection were regulations or instruments made under a Commonwealth Act. (4) The **Interpretation of Legislation Act 1984** does not apply to— (a) the Agvet Code, or the Agvet Regulations, of Victoria; or (b) any instrument made, granted or issued under that Code or those Regulations. 8 Ancillary offences (aiding, abetting, accessories, attempts, incitement or conspiracy) (1) In this section, ***Commonwealth ancillary criminal laws*** means— (a) section 5, 6, 7 or 7A of the Crimes Act 1914 of the Commonwealth; or S. 8(1)(b) amended by No. 22/2000 s. 6. (b) section 86(1) of that Act. (2) The Commonwealth ancillary criminal laws apply as laws of this jurisdiction in relation to an offence against the Agvet Code, or the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction, and so apply— (a) as if a reference in the laws to a law of the Commonwealth were a reference to that Code or those Regulations; and (b) to the exclusion of laws of this jurisdiction to the same or a similar effect. (3) In the Agvet Code, or the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction, a reference to an offence against that Code or those Regulations includes a reference to a related offence against the Commonwealth ancillary criminal laws. Part 3—Citing the Agvet Codes, and the Agvet Regulations, of other jurisdictions 9 References to Agvet Codes and Agvet Regulations of other jurisdictions (1) This section has effect for the purposes of an Act, a law of this jurisdiction or an instrument made under an Act or such a law. (2) If a law of a jurisdiction other than this jurisdiction provides that the Code set out in the Schedule to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act as in force for the time being applies as a law of that jurisdiction, the Agvet Code of that jurisdiction is the Agvet Code so set out, applying as a law of that jurisdiction. (3) If a law of a jurisdiction other than this jurisdiction provides that the regulations in force for the time being under section 6 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act apply as regulations in force for the purposes of the Agvet Code of that jurisdiction, the Agvet Regulations of that jurisdiction are those regulations as so applying. 10 References to Agvet Codes and Agvet Regulations (1) The object of this section is to help ensure that the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction can operate, in appropriate circumstances, as if that Code, together with the Agvet Code of each other jurisdiction, constituted a single national Agvet Code applying throughout Australia. (2) Subject to this section, a reference in an instrument to the Agvet Codes, or to the Agvet Regulations, is taken, for the purposes of the laws of this jurisdiction— (a) to be a reference to the Agvet Code, or to the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction; and (b) to include a separate reference to the Agvet Code, or to the Agvet Regulations, of each other jurisdiction. (3) Subsection (2) has effect except so far as the contrary intention appears in the instrument or the context of the reference otherwise requires. Part 4—Application of Agvet Codes to the Crown 11 Agvet Code of this jurisdiction The Agvet Code of this jurisdiction binds the Crown in right of this jurisdiction and, so far as the legislative power of Parliament permits, the Crown in all its other capacities. 12 Agvet Code of other jurisdictions The Agvet Code of each jurisdiction other than this jurisdiction binds the Crown in right of this jurisdiction. 13 Crown not liable to prosecution Nothing in this Part, or in the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction, renders the Crown in any capacity liable to be prosecuted for an offence. 14 This Part overrides the prerogative If, because of this Part, a provision of the law of another jurisdiction binds the Crown in right of this jurisdiction, the Crown in that right is subject to that provision despite any prerogative right or privilege. Pt 5 (Heading and ss 15–18) amended by No. 22/2000 ss 3(2), 4, substituted as Pt 5 (Heading and ss 15–18A) by No. 39/2001 s. 5. Part 5—Application of Commonwealth administrative laws to Agvet Code and Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction S. 15 substituted by No. 39/2001 s. 5. 15 Object The object of this Part is to help ensure that the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction and the Agvet Code of each other jurisdiction are administered on a uniform basis. S. 16 substituted by No. 39/2001 s. 5. 16 Application of Commonwealth administrative laws in relation to applicable provisions (1) The Commonwealth administrative laws apply as laws of this jurisdiction to any matter arising in relation to the applicable provisions of this jurisdiction as if those provisions were laws of the Commonwealth and were not laws of this jurisdiction. S. 16(2) amended by No. 41/2025 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 4.2). (2) The provisions of the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction that require the NRA to give brief particulars of reasons for decisions do not affect the obligations of the NRA under section 269 of the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 of the Commonwealth as that section applies as a law of this jurisdiction under subsection (1) of this section. (3) The provisions of the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction that relate to the disclosure of confidential commercial information do not affect the operation of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 of the Commonwealth as that Act applies as a law of this jurisdiction under subsection (1) of this section. (4) For the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction, a matter arising in relation to the applicable provisions of this jurisdiction— (a) is taken to be a matter arising in relation to laws of the Commonwealth in the same way as if those provisions were laws of the Commonwealth; and (b) is taken not to be a matter arising in relation to laws of this jurisdiction. (5) Subsection (4) has effect for the purposes of a law of this jurisdiction except as prescribed by regulations under section 32. S. 17 substituted by No. 39/2001 s. 5. 17 Duties, functions and powers conferred on Commonwealth officers and authorities (1) A Commonwealth administrative law applying because of section 16 that confers on a Commonwealth officer or authority a function or power also confers on the officer or authority the same function or power in relation to a matter arising in relation to an applicable provision of this jurisdiction. (2) In performing a function or exercising a power conferred by subsection (1), the Commonwealth officer or authority must act as nearly as practicable as the officer or authority would act in performing or exercising the same function or power under the Commonwealth administrative law. S. 18 substituted by No. 39/2001 s. 5. 18 Reference in Commonwealth administrative law to a provision of another law For the purposes of section 16, a reference in a Commonwealth administrative law to a provision of that or another Commonwealth administrative law is taken to be a reference to that provision as applying because of that section. S. 18A (Heading) amended by No. 41/2025 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 4.3). S. 18A substituted by No. 39/2001 s. 5, amended by No. 41/2025 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 4.4). 18A Construction of references to Part 7 of Commonwealth ART Act For the purposes of section 16, a reference in a provision of the Administrative Review Tribunal Act 2024 of the Commonwealth (as that provision applies as a law of this jurisdiction) to the whole or any part of Part 7 of that Act is taken to be a reference to the whole or any part of that Part as it has effect as a law of the Commonwealth. Pt 6 (Heading and ss 19, 20) repealed by No. 22/2000 s. 5. * * * * * Part 7—The National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals 21 Conferral of functions and powers on NRA (1) The NRA has the functions and powers conferred or expressed to be conferred on it under this Act or the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction. (2) In addition to the powers mentioned in subsection (1), the NRA has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done in connection with the performance of the functions referred to in subsection (1) and, in particular, may— (a) enter into contracts; and (b) acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property; and (c) occupy, use and control any land or building owned or held under lease by the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory and made available for the purposes of the NRA; and (d) appoint agents and attorneys, and act as agent for other persons; and (e) do anything incidental to any of its powers. 22 Agreements and arrangements (1) The Minister, or a person authorised in writing by the Minister, may enter into an agreement or arrangement with the Commonwealth Minister for the performance of functions or the exercise of powers by the NRA as an agent of the State. (2) The NRA has the functions and powers mentioned in the agreement or arrangement. 23 Conferral of other functions and powers for purposes of law in this jurisdiction The NRA has power to do acts in this jurisdiction in the performance or exercise of any function or power— (a) expressed to be conferred on it by a law of a jurisdiction (other than this jurisdiction) that corresponds to this Act or the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction; or (b) referred to in an agreement or arrangement made under a provision of an Act of a jurisdiction other than this jurisdiction corresponding to section 22. S. 23A inserted by No. 67/2001 s. 195. 23A Consultation with Gene Technology Regulator (1) A duty imposed or a function or power conferred on the NRA under section 8A of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act in respect of any matter arising in relation to the Code set out in the Schedule to the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act extends to any corresponding matter arising in relation to the applicable provisions of this jurisdiction, and that section applies accordingly. (2) If the NRA gives the Regulator within the meaning of the **Gene Technology Act 2001** a notice under section 8A(3) of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act (as that section applies by force of subsection (1) of this section), the Regulator may give written advice to the NRA about the application, reconsideration or issue. (3) The advice is to be given within the period specified in the notice. (4) A reference in the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction to a provision of section 8A of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act has effect as if it were a reference to that provision as applying by force of subsection (1) of this section. 24 Commonwealth Minister may give directions in exceptional circumstances The power of the Commonwealth Minister to give directions to the NRA under section 10 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act extends to giving directions in relation to functions and powers of the NRA conferred under the applicable provisions of this jurisdiction, and the section applies accordingly. Part 8—Miscellaneous 25 Orders Orders in force for the time being under section 7 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act have the same effect for the purposes of the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction as they would have if they were provisions of the Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction. 26 Manufacturing principles Subject to the Agvet Code, and the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction, the manufacturing principles in force for the time being under section 23 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act also have effect for the purposes of Part 8 of that Code. 27 Delegation The power of delegation of the Commonwealth Minister under section 71 of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act extends to the powers that are expressed to be conferred on the Commonwealth Minister under this Act or the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction, and the section applies accordingly. 28 Conferral of powers on State officers or employees S. 28(1) amended by Nos 46/1998 s. 7(Sch. 1), 108/2004 s. 117(1) (Sch. 3 item 7). (1) If an employee in a public service body within the meaning of the **Public Administration Act 2004** or an officer or employee of an authority is authorised, under section 69F of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act, by the Chief Executive Officer of the NRA to exercise the powers or perform the functions of an inspector for the purposes of a particular relevant law those powers and functions are conferred on that officer or employee. (2) Powers and functions conferred as referred to in subsection (1) are to be exercised or performed in accordance with the authorisation but are taken to have been validly exercised or performed despite any failure to comply with a condition or restriction of the authorisation. (3) Words and expressions used in this section have the same meanings as they have in section 69F of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act. S. 28A inserted by No. 39/2001 s. 6. 28A Inspectors and analysts (1) In this section— ***officer*** means— (a) an inspector appointed under section 69F(1) of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act; or (b) an analyst approved under section 69G of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Administration) Act. (2) An officer has, in respect of a matter arising in relation to an applicable provision of this jurisdiction, the functions and powers conferred or expressed to be conferred on him or her under the applicable provisions of this jurisdiction. S. 28B inserted by No. 39/2001 s. 6. 28B Validation of actions of inspectors and analysts (1) In this section— ***officer*** has the same meaning as in section 28A; ***relevant section*** means section 6 of the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) (Amendment) Act 2001**; ***relevant time***, in relation to a thing, means the time at which the thing was done or omitted to be done or purported to have been done or omitted to be done. (2) Anything done or omitted to be done by an officer before the commencement of the relevant section that would have been validly done or omitted had the relevant section commenced before the relevant time has, and is deemed always to have had, the same force and effect as it would have had if the relevant section had commenced before the relevant time. **Note** Part 2 of the **Co-operative Schemes (Administrative Actions) Act 2001** applies to administrative actions taken by an officer as affected by this section. 29 Application of fees and taxes All fees, taxes and other money (other than penalties and fines) that, under the applicable provisions of this jurisdiction, are authorised or directed to be payable by or imposed on any person must be paid to the Commonwealth. 30 Documents or substances held by previous registering authority may be given to NRA Despite anything in any other law of this jurisdiction, any authority of this jurisdiction that, immediately before the commencement of this Act, performed functions under a provision of the law of this jurisdiction that corresponded to a provision of the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction may give to the NRA any documents or substances in its possession or custody that were received by it in the performance of those functions or otherwise relate to the performance of those functions. 31 Exemptions from liability for damages (1) No action, suit or other proceeding for damages lies against the State or a person who is or has been a co-ordinator of this jurisdiction for any loss or injury directly or indirectly suffered as a result of— (a) the handling of an approved active constituent for a proposed or existing chemical product; or (b) the handling of a registered chemical product; or (c) the handling of an active constituent for a proposed or existing chemical product, or of a chemical product, in respect of which a permit or exemption has been issued or given by the NRA; or (d) an inability to use, or to use in a particular manner, an active constituent for a proposed or existing chemical product— (i) because an approval, permit or exemption permitting its use, or permitting its use in that manner, has been refused by the NRA or such an approval, permit or exemption that was previously granted by the NRA has been suspended or cancelled; or (ii) because its use, or its use in that manner, is precluded by the conditions of an approval, permit or exemption; or (e) an inability to use, or to use in a particular manner, a chemical product— (i) because a registration, permit or exemption permitting its use, or permitting its use in that manner, has been refused by the NRA or such a registration, permit or exemption that was previously granted by the NRA has been suspended or cancelled; or (ii) because its use, or its use in that manner, is precluded by the conditions of a registration, permit or exemption; or (f) the carrying out of a step in the manufacture of a chemical product in respect of which a licence has been issued by the NRA; or (g) an inability to carry out, or to carry out in a particular manner or at particular premises, a step in the manufacture of a chemical product— (i) because a licence to carry out that step, or to carry out that step in that manner or at those premises, has been refused by the NRA or such a licence that was previously granted by the NRA has been suspended or cancelled; or (ii) because the carrying out of that step, or the carrying out of that step in that manner or at those premises, is precluded by the conditions of a licence. (2) If an action, suit or other proceeding is brought against a person responsible for the importation, manufacture, supply or handling of— (a) an approved active constituent for a proposed or existing chemical product; or (b) a registered chemical product; or (c) an active constituent for a proposed or existing chemical product, or a chemical product, in respect of which the NRA has issued a permit or given an exemption; or (d) a chemical product in respect of a step in the manufacture of which the NRA has issued a licence— in relation to any loss or injury directly or indirectly suffered because of the importation, manufacture, supply or handling of the constituent or product, it is not a defence to that action, suit or other proceeding that the NRA has approved the constituent, registered the product, issued a permit or given an exemption in relation to the constituent or the product, or issued a licence in relation to a step in the manufacture of the product. (3) Expressions used in this section have the same meanings as in the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction. (4) It is the intention of this section to alter or vary section 85 of the **Constitution Act 1975** to the extent necessary to prevent the bringing before the Supreme Court of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsection (1). S. 31A inserted by No. 39/2001 s. 7. 31A Supreme Court—limitation of jurisdiction It is the intention of section 28B to alter or vary section 85 of the **Constitution Act 1975**. 32 Regulations The Governor in Council may make regulations for or with respect to any matter or thing that is required or permitted by this Act to be prescribed or necessary to be prescribed to give effect to this Act. 33 Eligible laws (1) The following are declared to be eligible laws for the purposes of the definition of ***permit*** in section 109 of the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction— S. 33(1)(a) amended by No. 55/2001 s. 27. (a) sections 6(1)(a), 19(1), (3), (4) and (5) and 32 of the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992**; (b) any other law, or a provision of a law, declared by the regulations to be an eligible law for the purposes of that definition. (2) The regulations may revoke the declaration of a law referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b) as an eligible law. S. 33A inserted by No. 39/2001 s. 8. 33A Transitional provision—Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) (Amendment) Act 2001 Part 5 of this Act, as substituted by section 5 of the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) (Amendment) Act 2001**, applies in relation to matters arising in relation to the applicable provisions of this jurisdiction, and decisions made or other things done or omitted to be done under the Commonwealth administrative laws in respect of such matters, before, on or after the commencement of that section. Part 9—Imposition of fees and taxes 34 Fees (including taxes) This section imposes the fees (including fees that are taxes) that the Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction prescribe. Part 10—Conferral of functions on Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions 35 Conferral of functions on Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Commonwealth (***the Director***) may— (a) institute prosecutions on indictment for indictable offences against the Agvet Code, or the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction; and (b) carry on prosecutions of the kind referred to in paragraph (a) (except prosecutions instituted by the Attorney-General), whether or not instituted by the Director; and (c) if the Attorney-General requests the Director in writing to carry on a prosecution of the kind referred to in paragraph (a) that was instituted by the Attorney-General—carry on the prosecution; and (d) institute proceedings for the commitment of persons for trial in respect of indictable offences against the Agvet Code, or the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction; and (e) institute proceedings for the summary conviction of persons in respect of offences against the Agvet Code, or the Agvet Regulations, of this jurisdiction; and (f) carry on proceedings of a kind referred to in paragraph (d) or (e) (whether or not instituted by the Director); and (g) do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the functions referred to in paragraphs (a) to (f). Part 11—Relationship with other State laws 36 Relationship with other State laws (1) In this section— ***Agvet Code*** means the Agvet Code of this jurisdiction and includes the Agvet Regulations of this jurisdiction. (2) Despite any other provision of this Act or the Agvet Code, the regulations may provide— (a) that a specified law of the State has effect despite the Agvet Code, or a specified provision of the Agvet Code; or (b) that the Agvet Code, or a specified provision of the Agvet Code, applies as a law of Victoria with modifications prescribed by the regulations; or (c) that a specified provision of the Agvet Code that would otherwise apply by virtue of Part 2 does not apply as a law of the State. (3) A regulation under subsection (2)(b) or (c) may, if the regulations so provide, have retrospective effect from the day on which the relevant provision of the Agvet Code applied (or would otherwise apply) in Victoria. (4) However, to the extent that a regulation takes effect under subsection (3) from a date that is earlier than the date on which it is made, the regulation does not operate so as— (a) to affect, in a manner prejudicial to any person (other than the State or an authority of the State), the rights of that person existing before the date of its publication; or (b) to impose liabilities on any person (other than the State or an authority of the State) in respect of anything done or omitted to be done before the date of the publication. Pt 12 (Heading and ss 37–56) repealed by No. 74/2000 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 6). * * * * * Endnotes 1 General information See [www.legislation.vic.gov.au](http://www.legislation.vic.gov.au) for Victorian Bills, Acts and current Versions of legislation and up-to-date legislative information. *Minister's second reading speech*— *Legislative Assembly: 8 September 1994* *Legislative Council: 11 October 1994* The long title for the Bill for this Act was "A Bill to apply certain laws of the Commonwealth relating to agricultural and veterinary chemical products as laws of Victoria, and for other purposes.". **Constitution Act 1975**: *Section 85(5) statement:* *Legislative Assembly: 8 September 1994* *Legislative Council: 11 October 1994* *Absolute majorities:* *Legislative Assembly: 6 October 1994* *Legislative Council: 8 November 1994* The **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** was assented to on 22 November 1994 and came into operation as follows: Sections 1 to 4 on 22 November 1994: section 2(1); rest of Act (*except* sections 44 and 50(4)) on 15 March 1995: Government Gazette 9 March 1995 page 502. Sections 44 and 50(4) on 22 November 1995: section 2(3). INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION ACT 1984 (ILA) Style changes Section 54A of the ILA authorises the making of the style changes set out in Schedule 1 to that Act. References to ILA s. 39B Sidenotes which cite ILA s. 39B refer to section 39B of the ILA which provides that where an undivided section or clause of a Schedule is amended by the insertion of one or more subsections or subclauses, the original section or clause becomes subsection or subclause (1) and is amended by the insertion of the expression "(1)" at the beginning of the original section or clause. Interpretation As from 1 January 2001, amendments to section 36 of the ILA have the following effects: • Headings All headings included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any heading inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. This includes headings to Parts, Divisions or Subdivisions in a Schedule; sections; clauses; items; tables; columns; examples; diagrams; notes or forms. See section 36(1A)(2A). • Examples, diagrams or notes All examples, diagrams or notes included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 form part of that Act. Any examples, diagrams or notes inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, form part of that Act. See section 36(3A). • Punctuation All punctuation included in an Act which is passed on or after 1 January 2001 forms part of that Act. Any punctuation inserted in an Act which was passed before 1 January 2001, by an Act passed on or after 1 January 2001, forms part of that Act. See section 36(3B). • Provision numbers All provision numbers included in an Act form part of that Act, whether inserted in the Act before, on or after 1 January 2001. Provision numbers include section numbers, subsection numbers, paragraphs and subparagraphs. See section 36(3C). • Location of "legislative items" A "legislative item" is a penalty, an example or a note. As from 13 October 2004, a legislative item relating to a provision of an Act is taken to be at the foot of that provision even if it is preceded or followed by another legislative item that relates to that provision. For example, if a penalty at the foot of a provision is followed by a note, both of these legislative items will be regarded as being at the foot of that provision. See section 36B. • Other material Any explanatory memorandum, table of provisions, endnotes, index and other material printed after the Endnotes does not form part of an Act. See section 36(3)(3D)(3E). 2 Table of Amendments This publication incorporates amendments made to the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** by Acts and subordinate instruments. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– **Public Sector Reform (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 1998, No. 46/1998** | Assent Date: | 26.5.98 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 7(Sch. 1) on 1.7.98: s. 2(2) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | **Federal Courts (Consequential Amendments) Act 2000, No. 22/2000** | Assent Date: | 16.5.00 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 6 on 17.5.00: s. 2(1); ss 3–5 on 1.7.00: Government Gazette 29.6.00 p. 1455 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | **Statute Law Revision Act 2000, No. 74/2000** | Assent Date: | 21.11.00 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 6) on 22.11.00: s. 2(1) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) (Amendment) Act 2001, No. 39/2001** | Assent Date: | 27.6.01 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 1.8.01: s. 2 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) (Further Amendment) Act 2001, No. 55/2001** | Assent Date: | 16.10.01 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | 17.10.01: s. 2 | | Current State: | All of Act in operation | **Gene Technology Act 2001, No. 67/2001** | Assent Date: | 30.10.01 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 195 on 1.12.01: s. 2(2) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | **Public Administration Act 2004, No. 108/2004** | Assent Date: | 21.12.04 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 117(1)(Sch. 3 item 7) on 5.4.05: Government Gazette 31.3.05 p. 602 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | **Criminal Procedure Amendment (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Act 2009, No. 68/2009** | Assent Date: | 24.11.09 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 97(Sch. item 6) on 1.1.10: Government Gazette 10.12.09 p. 3215 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | **Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018, No. 6/2018** | Assent Date: | 27.2.18 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 68(Sch. 2 item 4) on 1.3.19: s. 2(2) | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | **Statute Law Revision Act 2025, No. 41/2025** | Assent Date: | 21.10.25 | | --- | --- | | Commencement Date: | S. 3(Sch. 1 item 4) on 22.10.25: s. 2 | | Current State: | This information relates only to the provision/s amending the **Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Victoria) Act 1994** | ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 3 Explanatory details No entries at date of publication.