The Coalition government will commit $10 million to improving safety awareness and safety culture in the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors if re-elected.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud, said the additional funding would build on the Coalition Government’s support for one of our most dangerous workplaces.
“We are committed to improving safety awareness and safety culture in the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors, so that farmers, fishers, foresters, and their workers and families stay safe,” Minister Littleproud said.
“While less than one in 20 people work in agriculture, one in five fatalities in the workplace occur on farms. Our Government wants to reduce the risk to farmers and improve safety on farms.
“Only a Coalition Government will put a framework in place so our agriculture, fishery and forestry industries can grow and be safe.
“We’re answering the call by committing additional funding for organisations to develop proposals and be part of the solution.
“This commitment will fund project proposals that address the remaining three investment priorities set out in the National Farm Safety Education Fund Strategy and deliver additional support for projects that address the first two priorities under the existing round.
“It will also expand the scope of grants funding to the fisheries and forestry sectors.
“Unlike Labor, who have no plan to protect farmers, fishers, foresters. Our Government wants to ensure that the people that look after us, are looked after.
“These industries put food on our tables, clothes on our back, and help build Australia. We need to do everything we can to ensure they are safe doing so.
“Farm safety is vital to achieving industry’s goal of a $100 billion agriculture sector by 2030.”
Only the Coalition Government will continue to deliver a better future for Australia as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
Fast facts:
- The Coalition Government committed $3.5 million at the 2019 election to support activities that improve farm safety outcomes.
- Funding of $1.9 million was allocated to Farmsafe Australia to undertake a range of activities and develop the National Farm Safety Education Fund Strategy.
- Funding of $1.6 million was allocated to the improving farm safety practices grant opportunity to support 9 project proposals.
- New commitment will expand the improving farm safety practices grant opportunity to the fisheries and forestry sectors and address the investment priorities set out in the National Farm Safety Education Fund Strategy.
