GRAIN CENTRAL | Vic move staves off tougher phosphine restrictions

Victoria’s move to delay tougher workplace exposure limits for phosphine until December 2029 has been welcomed by the grains industry.

Grain Central reported the extension will provide more time to address concerns around monitoring capability, implementation and the potential impact of the proposed limits on grain storage, biosecurity and trade.

Grain Producers Australia Chair and New South Wales grower Matthew Madden said the proposed change had caused significant concern given there was no viable alternative to phosphine at the scale required by industry.

“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, with no workplace safety advantage, has been deeply concerning,” he said.

GPA is urging other states and territories to follow Victoria’s lead and provide industry with more time to develop a practical and nationally consistent approach.

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