SA GOVERNMENT DELAYS PHOSPHINE WORKPLACE CHANGES

By Jessica Dempster

Grain Producers Australia has welcomed the South Australian Government’s decision to delay proposed workplace changes to phosphine use by at least 18 months, covering the next two grain harvests.

Deputy Premier Kyam Maher and SafeWork SA announced the delay to the lower Workplace Exposure Limit for phosphine, which was due to come into effect as part of a national review of airborne contaminant limits.

The new limit was one of around 600 exposure standards reviewed by Safe Work Australia, with states and territories due to enforce the changes from December 1.

Grain Producers Australia Chair Matthew Madden says the delay gives growers more time to work through the practical implications of the proposed standard.

“GPA are deeply committed to safe workplace standards, but this new phosphine exposure limit would have seen a real risk to Australia’s biosecurity and trade,” Mr Madden said.

He says there is currently no viable alternative to phosphine for fumigating stored grain, and that the proposed standard would also have put Australia out of step with key international grain markets including the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Argentina.

Grain Producers Australia has also raised concerns about upcoming changes to workplace exposure limits for grain dust, and says it appreciates SafeWork SA’s engagement on the issue.