Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, spoke in support of paraquat in Parliament last week in support of friend and colleague; Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster's motion. Urging the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to listen to farmers and science on herbicide dosages, instead of sensationalist journalism.

The motion was spurred by an ABC Landline investigation that raised concerns about the potential link between paraquat and diquat exposure and neurological conditions like Parkinson's Disease. "While I acknowledge the distress of those who believe their illnesses may be related to past chemical use, it's important to note that contemporary agricultural practices have evolved significantly" Coulton said.

Today, farmers utilize herbicides in controlled environments, significantly reducing exposure risks. M. Coulton spoke from experience; "I know when I was farming and used paraquat, I wore rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt and was in a tractor with a carbon filtered cab. If you follow the recommendations, it is a safe chemical to use. It’s an essential one – one that has enabled our farmers to produce record crops while preserving the soil moisture."