Rural ISSC communique: March 2026

The Rural Industry Sector Standing Committee (Committee) met on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

The Committee reviewed key issues covered at the November 2025 Committee workshop focused on engagement in safety messaging and access to safety training in the rural and agriculture industries. Members discussed key elements that increase safety message engagement, amplification and uptake of information. Members acknowledged the importance of engaging with industry bodies and specialist groups to share and promote safety messages and information updates to their members.

Committee members also discussed the current training landscape in the rural and agricultural space and opportunities for improvement or tailoring of training. Members identified barriers to training uptake can include travel costs, work impacts, and limited remote delivery options. Members discussed opportunities to support on-site safety training for rural and agricultural workers and the broader benefits of this delivery model.

Committee members discussed emerging technology in the rural and agricultural industries and considered the risks and the benefits of these technology trials and uptake. The Committee noted the rapid rate of change and technology adoption and agreed to monitor the topic over the coming months.

The Committee also noted the transition Arrangements for the Mentally Healthy Workplace Workshops and Safe Work Australia’s model incident notification provision updates.

The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Wednesday 27 May 2026.

ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au