Ludwig, Sen Joe

Senator Ludwig: The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows: (1) The Primary Industries Health and Safety Program ('the Program') routinely collates data on the health and safety of Australia's primary industries. Recent data shows that: Agriculture ranks second behind road transport as Australia's most dangerous industry. 150 people die from non-intentional injuries on farms each year. There has been a 44% decrease in the number of work-related deaths on farms between 1992 and 2006. 300 – 350 male farmers and farm workers die from traumatic causes (intentional and non-intentional) each year in Australia. The mortality rate in Australia's farming and fishing industries is four times that of the all-industry average (19.5 per 100 000 people compared to 5.5 per 100 000 people). Quad bikes were the leading cause of death on Australian farms in 2011, accounting for around one-third of fatalities. Cost of injuries in agriculture is estimated to be $1.29 billion annually. However, no specific studies have been commissioned to determine how many deaths and injuries are mitigated directly as a result of funding under the Program. (2) In addition to publishing research outcomes, the Program partners utilise existing rural networks to communicate key outcomes to farmers, fishers and foresters. (3) The Program has undertaken specific research addressing: adoption of Health and Safety Change on Australian Farming and Fishing Enterprises achieving Safety Change on Australian Farms – using new and established pathways to improve adoption testing and Delivering Media Communication Strategies for Child Farm Safety. These reports provide baseline information that can be used to measure change over time. (4) The Program completed a program of activity against the Primary Industries Health and Safety Five Year Plan in June 2012. (5) All of the $200 000 will be allocated to research and development activities. None of the $200 000 will be spent on administration of the program. (6) The Program focuses on delivering research and development outcomes to improve the health and safety of workers and their families in farming and fishing industries across Australia. A number of training programs have benefitted from this work, however the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation does not register or accredit training providers or courses.