Grain Trade Australia (GTA) welcomes the Queensland Government’s decision to provide a three-year deferral to 2029 for new Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for 15 substances, including phosphine and grain dust. The decision aligns Queensland’s approach with Victoria’s treatment of the same 15 substances and provides greater certainty for growers and the grain supply chain.

The decision responds to the concerns raised by GTA, AgForce Queensland, GrainCorp and the broader grains industry about the practical challenges of implementing the new limits, particularly for phosphine. GTA congratulates the Queensland Government and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland for working constructively with industry to achieve this important outcome.

GTA CEO Pat O’Shannassy said the three-year deferral was the right approach, giving industry and regulators time to work through the technical challenges while maintaining a clear focus on worker safety.

“This is a welcome and sensible decision for Queensland growers and businesses across the grain value chain. Three years gives us the time to build the evidence, validate practical measurement methods and develop workable controls and guidance that protect workers,” Mr O’Shannassy said.

“We also welcome the inclusion of all 15 substances covered by Victoria’s transition. For businesses operating across borders, a consistent approach to the same substances provides greater clarity and certainty when planning their operations.”

Time to develop practical solutions

Phosphine is the primary fumigant used to protect stored grain from insects, from farm storage through to bulk handling sites and port terminals. There is no equivalent, registered, commercially viable alternative available at the scale the industry requires.

Industry and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) are funding research into phosphine exposure pathways, monitoring capability and practical controls. The research is not expected to be completed until mid-2028, with further time needed to analyse the findings and turn them into practical guidance.

“The transition is not a pause on safety. Businesses must continue to manage exposure risks and meet their existing workplace health and safety obligations. The additional time will help industry and regulators develop a measurable and practical approach for the future,” Mr O’Shannassy said.

A consistent national approach

Queensland joins Victoria and Western Australia in supporting a three-year transition for phosphine. New South Wales and South Australia have announced shorter extensions. Together, these decisions provide a strong foundation for continued collaboration towards greater national consistency across all states and territories.

“Grain moves across state borders every day. A consistent national approach will help growers, handlers, transport operators and exporters manage their responsibilities with greater confidence, rather than navigate different commencement dates for the same substance,” Mr O’Shannassy said.

GTA congratulates AgForce Queensland, GrainCorp, GrainGrowers and industry partners for their united advocacy. GTA will continue to work with governments, regulators and industry to support safe and workable implementation across the grain value chain.

GTA and its Members remain unequivocally committed to the safety of everyone who works in the grain value chain. GTA will continue to work constructively with the Queensland Government, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, Safe Work Australia and industry partners towards a phosphine exposure standard that is measurable, achievable and genuinely protective of worker health.

Media Contact

Pat O’Shannassy
CEO, Grain Trade Australia
Phone: +61 2 9235 2155
Email: pat.oshannassy@graintrade.org.au | www.graintrade.org.au

About GTA

Grain Trade Australia (GTA) is the peak industry body for the commercial grains sector in Australia, providing the framework to facilitate and promote grain trade. With over 280 Member organisations spanning the entire value chain, GTA Members are responsible for over 95% of all grain contracts, storage and freight movements nationally. GTA also represents Australia’s interests in global markets through its role as a founding and active member of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC). A list of GTA Members can be found at www.graintrade.org.au

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