New phosphine regulations delayed following consultation with grain producers
THE State Government has extended the commencement timeframe for regulations, setting a new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for the chemical phosphine following consultation with South Australian grain producers.
THE State Government has extended the commencement timeframe for regulations, setting a new Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) for the chemical phosphine following consultation with South Australian grain producers.
Phosphine is the primary fumigant used in Australia and internationally to control pests that damage stored grain.
WELs are fixed at a national level through SafeWork Australia, with implementation left to individual state and territory jurisdictions by regulation.
The new WEL for phosphine was due to commence on 1 December, 2026. The grain industry, represented by Grain Producers SA (GPSA), has raised concerns about measurability of the new limit, potential impacts on biosecurity and export controls, and challenges with the limit starting midway through an expected record harvest season.
Following consultation with industry, the State Government has determined there will be an 18-month extension for the new limit, to July 2028.
This will ensure there is no disruption to the coming two grain harvest seasons, and provide time for detailed discussion and consultation between industry, SafeWork SA, and other authorities about the impact of the proposed WEL.
This follows Victoria’s decision earlier this year to defer commencement of the phosphine WEL based on similar industry concerns. SafeWork SA will also work in collaboration with the grain industry to deliver specific guidance, education and support on other WELs including grain dust.
GPSA CEO Brad Perry said “phosphine is critical to protecting stored grain from insect infestation, from on-farm silos through to bulk storage and export facilities”.
“GPSA has worked closely with the State Government to explain the serious consequences of introducing the new phosphine exposure limit in the middle of a potentially record harvest,” Mr Perry said.
“We welcome the government listening to those concerns and acting to give growers and the grain supply chain certainty. With the 1 December deadline looming and practical questions about compliance unresolved, the industry faced the prospect of major disruption to grain storage at the very time we need that capacity most.
“While the deferral is shorter than Victoria’s three years, 18 months gives us valuable time to work with government, regulators and technical experts on reliable monitoring, practical controls and a clear path to compliance.
“This is an important outcome for South Australian grain producers. The extension protects the coming two harvests and creates the opportunity to work through the practicalities of these changes, while maintaining our focus on worker safety.”
Minister for Industrial Relations Kyam Maher said “the matters industry has raised require detailed consideration, and this extension will ensure those issues can be properly considered by regulatory authorities”.
“Industry has raised a number of practical concerns about the implementation of the new exposure limit and the impact it could have on the coming harvest season,” Mr Maher said.
