COUNTRYMAN | WA grains industry welcomes three-year phosphine delay, vows to dig into research behind decision
Western Australia's grain industry has welcomed the State Government's decision to delay new workplace exposure limits for phosphine until December 2029, while calling for a thorough examination of the scientific evidence and practical implications of the proposed changes.
In an article published by Countryman, representatives from Grain Trade Australia, CBH Group, WAFarmers and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association highlighted the importance of using the three-year extension to assess monitoring methods, develop workable compliance measures and protect grain storage, biosecurity and export market access.
The article also draws attention to the Government's decision to proceed with reduced grain dust exposure limits from 1 December 2026, despite significant industry concerns.
WAFarmers Grains Council President Mark Fowler referenced Grain Producers Australia's (GPA) national grower survey, which identified widespread uncertainty about how to measure, monitor and manage grain dust exposure on farms.
The findings reinforce ongoing industry concerns about the lack of practical monitoring methods and the need for workplace safety regulations that are supported by sound evidence and can be reasonably implemented across Australian grain-growing businesses.
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