THE NSW government has unveiled a new two-million-dollar program working to cut the number of deaths and injuries on farms.
Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matt Kean was at the Australian National Field Days on Friday to launch the plan, which focuses on quad bike safety.
Mr Kean said farmers will be able to apply for rebates to upgrade to safer side by side vehicles or to retrofit quad bikes with roll bars.
Mr Kean said it was “totally unacceptable,” that farmers account for 20 per cent of deaths at work while only making up two per cent of the workforce .
Member for Orange Philip Donato said the plan was a “good start”. “We all know the number of accidents that cause injury and death that occur on farms and it’s important it’s addressed.” “It’s a bit vague on how much money has been set aside.”
Mr Donato said the government needs to make sure people are educated and resources are allocated to prevent death and injuries on farms.
“Any death associated with rural agriculture is one too many,” Mr Donato said.
“It doesn’t indicate how much money is being set aside in terms of education, in terms of staff in local areas to get out.”
