GPA WELCOMES WA GOVERNMENT PHOSPHINE DELAY

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) warmly welcomes the Western Australian Government announcement today to delay workplace changes to phosphine fumigant use.

Minister Simone McGurk has announced a delay of implementing a lower Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of the critical grain fumigant – phosphine for a period of three years.

This practical announcement from the Western Australian state regulator, follows in the footsteps of South Australia and Victoria that supports the grain sector in relation to new standards that would have would have seen grain growers virtually banned from using phosphine as a grain fumigant to protect against pests.

This new exposure limit was one of over 600 airborne contaminant exposure limits set by Safe Work Australia (SWA) for the states to enforce by 1 December this year.

Although the SWA mass review of contaminants has been underway for several years, the vast scope of contaminants has meant the Australian grains sector has had to scramble to establish what is changing and how they will have to manage it.

“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,” said GPA Chair Matthew Madden.

“With these delays from Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, we’re hoping that the other remaining states now follow suit.

“The new standard would make Australia’s phosphine exposure standard out of touch with the rest world, including the EU, UK, USA, Canada and Argentina.

“There isn’t really a viable alternative for grain growers to fumigate stored grain against pests, and support our biosecurity and trade, so this looming change has been deeply concerning to our growers.

“The Australian grain sector has been facing monumental challenges recently, including fuel and fertiliser supply and price challenges caused by the Iran war, we don’t need any further undue burdens."

ENDS

Further information:

GPA Chair Matthew Madden: 0457 731 210

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193