Australia's famous hat faces ban

Prince Harry enjoyed wearing the felt hat

The Australian bushman's famous hat, the Akubra, could be replaced by a safety helmet if a case before the Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) succeeds.

The case is being heard at the New South Wales IRC after the death of a young jackaroo in 2001.

Daniel Croker, 23, died after falling from a horse while mustering at Gunbar station. He did not wear a helmet.

The state's WorkCover Authority prosecuted Gunbar's owners, claiming they failed to provide safety gear.

On Monday, the company, MacLachlan Pty Ltd, pleaded guilty to breaching occupational health and safety rules, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported.

Gunbar's owners now face a fine of up to $550,000.

"To some extent there has been a romantic view of the rural industry," Work Cover chief executive Jon Blackwell was quoted as saying by the Melbourne Herald Sun newspaper.

"That culture has to change," Mr Blackwell added.

The IRC is due to hear submissions on the penalty in the current case in June.