Thursday, 08 August 2019 10:55

Govt stalled on quad rollers

Written by 

Australian farmers are urging the Federal Government to enforce the fitting of operator protection devices (OPDs) to all new quads within two years.

“We are at a loss to understand why the Government won’t introduce this simple change to save lives,” says National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson.

NFF says seven people, including children, have died this year in quad crashes. Yet the Government is stalling on enforcing the fitting of OPDs to all new quads within two years.

The fitting of OPDs was recommended to the Government in February by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. 

The NFF says the change can be made by the Assistant Treasurer signing a ‘declaration’ without the need to introduce new legislation. But the Government has not yet done this.

“Since 2001 at least 230 Australians have died in quad related incidents,” said Simson. Half of these deaths were a result of a quad rollover and crushing or asphyxiation, which OPDs prevent.

“Either the Government doesn’t think the many lives lost warrant taking action or there are other factors at play.”

More like this

Oz farmers' election wishlist

Australian farmers advocate NFF says this year’s Federal Election will be a defining moment for Australian agriculture.

Featured

$52,500 fine for effluent mismanagement

A Taupiri farming company has been convicted and fined $52,500 in the Hamilton District Court for the unlawful discharge of dairy effluent into the environment.

Ospri brings Bovine TB testing in-house

The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at Ospri officially started this month, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.

National

Machinery & Products

Fliegl offers effluent solutions

Founded in Germany as recently as 1977, today, the Fliegl Group employs more than 1100 workers, offering an expansive range…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

It's all about economics

OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter