State government offloading Safe Farming Tasmania

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania and WorkSafe Tasmania are offloading Safe Farming Tasmania and have put out a tender for a non-government organisation to deliver the program.

Safe Farming aims to reduce the incidence of work-related death, injury and disease on Tasmanian farms by supporting farming businesses and communities to improve safety on their farms.

The WorkCover Tasmania Board said Safe Farming delivers free support and advice to farmers at a grassroots and sector level.

“During the past decade, the service has improved work health and safety awareness, practices and capability across the state.

“In this time, Safe Farming has earned its reputation as a trusted confidential resource.

“The board is committed to Safe Farming and its important role in improving work health and safety across Tasmania’s farming sector and has adapted the program delivery model to remain contemporary in its approach, and importantly, deeply connected to industry.

“To achieve this, the board is investing $400,000 per year to fund this important program and is seeking an experienced non-government organisation or a consortium to deliver it for three years from October 1, 2026.”

The board said that the expansion into the non-government sector indicated a strengthening of Safe Farming’s capacity and reach.

“The successful tenderer will engage strongly across Tasmania’s diverse farming sector and deliver services that are responsive to the unique needs and risks of Tasmania’s agricultural communities,” the board said.

Under the new model, the board said Safe Farming will remain focused on education and support.

“Regulatory, compliance and enforcement activities remain the responsibility of WorkSafe Tasmania.”

Applications for the Safe Farming tender close on September 3.