Tasmania’s agriculture industry is a critical part of the state’s economy which is why the Tasmanian Government is ensuring safe-farming practices are in place so the industry can continue to thrive.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said that as part of the Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future and to support safety in the state’s rural workplaces, the Tasmanian Government has committed a further $900,000 over three years to Safe Farming Tasmania.
“This week is ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Farm Safety Week which aims to highlight the key risks in the agricultural industry, promote farm safety awareness, and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in the sector,” Minister Howlett said.
“By adopting safer farming practice, agriculture sector workers will be better protected now and into the future.”
The 2024 Safer Farms Report by Farmsafe Australia found that, although there was a significant decrease of on-farm fatalities in 2023 (44 per cent), 30 farmers in Australia died from on-farm fatalities in the first six months of 2024.
In Tasmania, 16 on-farm related deaths have occurred over the past decade.
“Safe Farming Tasmania encourages farmers to get the free Safe Farming resources online or by booking in an appointment with the Safe Farming team and to adopt safer farming practices,” Minister Howlett said.
“As part of the safety focused week, Safe Farming Australia has launched its In Safe Hands campaign, which features a local farming business.
“Clovelly Dairy in Tasmania is featured to highlight the importance family life has on agriculture and provide insight into how the dairy manages the safety of children on its farm. It is one of six farming business stories appearing in the national campaign.”
Safe Farming Tasmania is a joint initiative of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) and WorkSafe Tasmania.
It aims to reduce farm-work related deaths, injuries and disease and improve the health and safety of workers in the farming industry by raising awareness and encouraging discussions of farm safety issues.
