The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has called for practical reforms to the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Laws, currently under review.
NFF General Manager of Workplace Relations and Legal Affairs, Michael Pyers, welcomed the review, but warned of detrimental outcomes if the regulation doesn't recognise the realities of family farm businesses and seasonal workforces.
"It's vital that the Work Health and Safety framework is a harmonised, contemporary, and practical asset for all industries," Mr Pyers said.
"But there must be flexibility in reflecting agriculture's unique conditions.
"We fear that excessive paperwork and prescriptive rules will deter compliance, rather than improve safety.
"More red tape, form duplication, and urban-centric regulation will detract from genuine safety outcomes."
The NFF has made dozens of recommendations in its submission to Safe Work Australia, to ensure agriculture is accommodated for.
"Agriculture is one of the nation's highest-risk sectors but is also one of the most diverse." Mr Pyers said.
"The industry ranges from family farms to complex supply chains operating across multiple jurisdictions, and everything in between.
"Achieving safer outcomes relies on regulation that is proportionate, evidence-based, and co-designed with industry.
"We look forward to the release of an improved framework."
The NFF submission can be viewed here.
