COUNTRYMAN | WA grains industry issues urgent plea to Premier to stop grain dust exposure limits, State refuses
Grain Producers Australia (GPA) has escalated concerns about new grain dust workplace exposure limits to the Western Australian Premier, calling for an urgent delay to changes due to take effect during harvest.
In an article published by Countryman, GPA Chair Matthew Madden outlined serious concerns about the scientific evidence underpinning the reduced limit, which is set to fall from 4.0mg/m³ to 1.5mg/m³ on 1 December 2026.
The article details joint representations from GPA, WAFarmers, WA Grains Group and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association, questioning the reliance on research using data more than 40 years old and grain types that do not align with those covered by the Australian standard.
Mr Madden warned that the findings raised significant questions about the national regulatory assessment process and the practical ability of growers to comply with the changes.
“GPA will continue to work with governments on behalf of grain growers, but Safe Work Australia, all other regulators and governments need to hold up their end of the relationship too,” Mr Madden said.
Despite the industry's concerns and decisions by other states to delay implementation, the WA Government confirmed it would proceed with the new limits, prompting continued calls for evidence-based regulation and workable compliance arrangements for grain producers.
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