The NSW Government is calling for the introduction of a national five-star safety rating system for quad bikes, to help save lives on farms.
Since 2011, 115 people have been killed in quad bike accidents on Australian farms, with 32 in NSW alone.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said NSW would call on the Federal Government to introduce a safety rating system, and would provide any support necessary to help develop and implement the scheme.
“After meeting with Senator Michaelia Cash last month, we believe a rating system is the next big step to reducing deaths and injuries from quad bike incidents,” Mr Kean said.
“We want to work with manufacturers and farmers to develop a scheme, which would give buyers the information they need, at a glance, to make the safest possible choice.
“This is about putting consumers first and doing what we can to keep farmers safe at work.”
Mr Kean said a safety rating system for quad bikes was a key recommendation of the NSW Deputy Coroner’s 2015 inquest into quad bike deaths.
Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the NSW Government is committed to improving rider safety through a multi-faceted approach.
“We have to work together on this issue to ensure we get the best outcome, we want people to be able to work and live on their farms as safely as possible,” Mr Blair said.
“The NSW Government is providing incentives to encourage farmers to improve the safety of their quad bikes, education programs to support safer usage and now we want to give consumers better information to support their decision making.”
A rating system would build on the NSW Government’s $2 million Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program, which provides free training and helmets for those who complete the course, as well as rebates for protective devices, and safer side-by-side vehicles.
For further information on the program visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50. To apply for rebates, visit www.nswfarmers.org.au.
