The NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis and NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty was joined by the Independent Member for Orange Philip Donato yestedray as SafeWork NSW hosts an industry roundtable to discuss the prevention of workplace fatalities and serious injuries in the agriculture sector.

 Now in its second year, the event brings together leaders from across government and industry to focus on practical solutions for reducing fatalities and serious injuries in the sector. Agriculture remains one of Australia’s most dangerous industries, with consistently high rates of workplace fatalities and serious injuries.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said: “The Minns Labor government remains committed through the annual Agricultural Roundtable to address workplace health and safety concerns.

“There are more than 81,000 workers in NSW employed in agricultural industries, including farming, fishing, and forestry. Workers employed in agriculture are at greater risk of being killed or injured at work than most.

“Plant, machinery, vehicles and animals are the biggest dangers in agricultural workplace settings, and businesses and managers should ensure everyone who works in their business is provided with safe equipment and procedures as well as the right skills and supervision, to carry out their work safely."

 In 2024, SafeWork NSW responded to 12 workplace fatalities in the agricultural industry in NSW. Incidents involving farm vehicles, including quad bikes and side-by-side vehicles (SSVs), remained one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries in agriculture across NSW last year.

The nature of farm work presents a unique set of safety risks—from operating heavy machinery like tractors, quad bikes, and side by side vehicles, to the handling of hazardous chemicals and livestock.

This year’s agenda focuses on real-world challenges, including the daily risks faced by farmers, the barriers to changing safety behaviour, and the importance of effective prevention strategies.

A dedicated session at the roundtable, Prevention in Action, explored proven safety measures, followed by a collaborative discussion on designing future initiatives that are practical, relevant, and industry led. Attendees will include representatives from local agricultural employers, NSW Farmers, unions, academics, relevant government agencies, and the Country Women’s Association.

As part of the ongoing initiatives sparked by last year's Agriculture Roundtable, the SafeWork NSW Improving Connectivity for Farmers six-month pilot program is helping enhance mobile connectivity, signal strength, and reliability for farmers across regional NSW.

The pilot commenced on 17 March 2025 and will run through to September 2025, with a number of Western Plains communities among those involved.

 The program targets several key postcodes, including 2800 (Orange)—a major regional centre—as well as towns and localities across the following postcodes:

• 2671 (West Wyalong), 2672 (Burcher), 2800 (Orange, Clifton Grove, Borenore), 2804 (Manildra, Cudal), 2806 (Molong),

• 2820 (Trangie), 2821 (Nevertire), 2823 (Tottenham), 2830 (Dubbo), 2864 (Condobolin), 2865 (Tullibigeal), 2866 (Lake Cargelligo), 2867 (Euabalong), 2868 (Nymagee),

• 2870 (Parkes), 2871 (Forbes), 2873 (Trundle), 2874 (Tullamore), 2875 (Fifield), and 2877 (Albert).

This initiative aims to support safer, more connected farming operations in regional NSW. Eligible farmers can claim up to $1,000 through the Small Business Rebate towards the purchase of a mobile signal booster or a mobile satellite internet system.