The Australian Government has welcomed the release of a new farm safety strategy that calls for greater collaborative industry action to promote better practices.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said Farmsafe Australia's National Farm Safety Education Fund Strategy aims to reduce farming-related injuries and deaths by 2030.
"The health and safety of our farmers and their families is paramount," Minister Littleproud said.
"Our farmers have continued to kick goals through the COVID-19 pandemic, with the agriculture sector expected to reach a record $66 billion in industry production this year.
"But it's a high-risk working environment.
"That's why the government asked Farmsafe Australia to deliver this report to recommend how we can improve farm safety and set a long-term course for decision-making.
"Getting better safety outcomes on-farm will require leadership at all levels, from our farmers on the ground through to our peak bodies and government.
"It's not just about safer systems, but also about creating safer farmers by shifting attitudes and improving awareness about workplace risks.
"The impact from every accident, injury or fatality that happens on-farm doesn't stop in the workplace.
"Families in our regional and rural communities need to know that their loved ones are going to come home safely at the end of the day.
"The strategy identifies five key areas for impact: leadership and culture, the next generation of farmers, physical and psychological well-being, training and continued learning, and evidence and incentivisation.
"Our farmers are committed to delivering on the industry's goal to reach $100 billion by 2030. But to reach that objective, we need to ensure that the right work, health and safety settings are in place."
Fast Facts:
- Farmsafe Australia's National Farm Safety Education Fund Strategy can be accessed here.
- Farming represents 2.6 per cent of Australia's labour workforce, but 21 per cent of Australian workplace fatalities.
In 2019 there were 133 injuries and 58 farm fatalities.
- The National Farm Safety Education Fund commits $3.5 million over four years to support activities that address on-farm safety issues and improve farm safety outcomes.
- $1.9 million has been granted to support Farmsafe as the national body for farm safety and to develop the National Farm Safety Education Fund Strategy.
- The Australian government is considering implementation options for the remainder of the fund.
