Grain Trade Australia (GTA), alongside industry representatives, recently met with Safe Work Australia (SWA) to raise concerns about revised workplace exposure limits (WELs), including the reduction in the phosphine WEL.
The meeting confirmed the scale of industry concern. It also clarified that further consideration now sits with government. The priority is a practical, evidence-based outcome that supports worker safety and supply chain continuity.
Industry concerns
GTA and other industry bodies raised concerns about both the process and the practical impact of the changes. Questions were raised about the data used to set the limits and whether it reflects real-world grain supply chain conditions. The revised limits are expected to create significant operational and cost burdens, without clear evidence of improved health outcomes. There is also uncertainty about whether the new limits can be reliably and consistently measured with existing monitoring equipment under commercial conditions, raising questions about enforceability and compliance.
GTA emphasised that consultation was limited, given the scale and impact of the changes. Concerns were also raised about international alignment with the revised settings, likely to position Australia at risk of becoming a global outlier.
SWA response
SWA advised that its review process was extensive and evidence-based. Its role is to provide health-based recommendations, with final decisions made by Ministers. The revised limits have been agreed and are not within SWA’s remit to change. SWA also noted that consultation was undertaken via its website.
Meeting outcomes and next steps
SWA confirmed that any changes or flexibility in how the limits are applied would need to be considered by the government and agreed across states and territories.
GTA is now leading a coordinated advocacy approach, including:
- Establishing a working group to lead engagement
- Communicating impacts and concerns to federal and state Ministers, regulators and stakeholders
- Seeking direct engagement with decision-makers on implementation
- Considering broader engagement if required following initial discussions.
GTA will continue to work with industry and government to seek a practical and evidence-based outcome.
