The boss of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has launched a strong defence of the agency and his management of it, in a hearing where more details of the agency's move to Armidale were revealed.

The authority is set to complete its move to Armidale next year, under a policy introduced by former agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce, but the move has faced resistance from staff, leading many to leave the organisation. Despite original plans to move all staff to the NSW regional centre, in July it was announced about 40 staff would stay in a "satellite office" in Canberra.

Interim Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority chief executive Chris Parker Credit:The Land

"At all times I’ve been very clear, I think my actions in maintaining an office in Canberra and providing that advice to the minister make it, I think quite obvious, that I am managing the government policy to the best of my ability and including ensuring that we maintain both the independence and performance of the APVMA," chief executive Chris Parker told the committee.

Staff who didn't move to Armidale would be able to seek redundancies at the beginning of next year, the inquiry heard.