Government ministers unable to answer questions on major grain industry change

The Opposition has raised serious concerns after both the Minister for Industrial Relations and the Minister for Primary Industries were unable to answer basic questions in Parliament about a major regulatory change that could significantly impact South Australia’s grain industry.

The changes, agreed to by work health and safety ministers nationally in 2024, will reduce the workplace exposure limit for phosphine gas from 0.3 parts per million to 0.05 parts per million from 1 December 2026.

Phosphine is the primary fumigant used across Australia’s grain storage sector to control insect pests in stored grain.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Nicola Centofanti, said the lack of awareness displayed by ministers was alarming given the importance of the grain sector to South Australia’s economy.

“This is not a minor regulatory adjustment. This is a significant change that farmers are warning could have major consequences for grain storage, logistics and exports across South Australia,” Dr Centofanti said.

“The fact that these changes were agreed to in 2024 and are due to take effect in less than six months, yet neither responsible minister could answer basic questions about them, is deeply concerning.” During Question Time, Dr Centofanti asked whether the State Government supported the decision, whether consultation or impact assessments had been undertaken, and whether ministers had received advice from industry stakeholders about the likely consequences.

Neither minister was able to provide an answer.

Dr Centofanti said farmers had raised concerns that the new exposure limit may be practically unachievable in many commercial grain storage facilities and could significantly increase venting times following fumigation.

“Grain farmers are warning that these changes could create substantial disruptions across the supply chain, from grain receivals and storage through to transport and export operations,” she said.

“At a time when many producers are already battling drought conditions and rising costs, the Government should be across an issue that has the potential to affect the entire grain handling system.” Dr Centofanti said the Government must urgently clarify what consultation occurred before South Australia agreed to the changes and what assessment has been undertaken regarding their impact on the state’s grain industry.

“South Australia is one of the nation’s leading grain-producing states. We absolutely recognise that handling safety is crucial, but decisions affecting grain storage and export operations should not be made without a clear understanding of the practical consequences.

“Producers, bulk handlers and exporters deserve confidence that their government understands the challenges they face and is prepared to advocate on their behalf.

“Right now, the industry is looking at a major regulatory change coming into effect on 1 December, and the ministers responsible appear unable to explain what it means, how it will affect the sector, or what consultation has taken place.”