❓ Hon Julie Freeman questions the Minister for Agriculture and Food about concerns regarding the mandatory eID rollout for sheep and goats, seeking an extension of the tag incentive payment scheme or alternative financial assistance. The Minister acknowledges concerns and highlights a $25.6 million transition package, stating the scheme will be reviewed later in 2026.
AnsweredQoN 486Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
Livestock—Electronic identification
486. Hon Julie Freeman to
the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the
mandatory rollout of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats from 1
July 2026 and the extension of the tag incentive payment scheme to 31 December
2026.
(1) Is the minister aware of the concerns
of livestock producers regarding the costs associated with mandatory eID compliance,
including re-tagging older animals, purchasing scanning equipment, upgrading
infrastructure and additional labour requirements?
(2) Given these concerns, will the
government commit to extending the tag incentive payment scheme beyond 31 December
2026?
(3) If not, what additional financial
assistance or support measures will be available for Western Australian sheep
and goat producers as the mandatory eID system is implemented across the supply
chain?
486. Hon Julie Freeman to
the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the
mandatory rollout of electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats from 1
July 2026 and the extension of the tag incentive payment scheme to 31 December
2026.
(1) Is the minister aware of the concerns
of livestock producers regarding the costs associated with mandatory eID compliance,
including re-tagging older animals, purchasing scanning equipment, upgrading
infrastructure and additional labour requirements?
(2) Given these concerns, will the
government commit to extending the tag incentive payment scheme beyond 31 December
2026?
(3) If not, what additional financial
assistance or support measures will be available for Western Australian sheep
and goat producers as the mandatory eID system is implemented across the supply
chain?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member
for some notice of the question and I answer on behalf of the Minister for
Agriculture and Food.
(1) Yes, and in view of these concerns,
the state and federal governments together have provided a $25.6 million
transition package to Western Australia's sheep and goat industry. The funding
consists of a $21.6 million commitment by the state government and a $4 million
commitment by the Australian Government. The package includes support for
producers via eID tag discounts, which have been available since 2023; a supply
chain infrastructure grants program; and on-the-ground support and education
from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
(2) The minister continues to engage
closely with industry to monitor the implementation. The tag incentive payment
scheme will be reviewed later in 2026 to analyse uptake and consider industry
needs going forward.
(3) Not applicable.
for some notice of the question and I answer on behalf of the Minister for
Agriculture and Food.
(1) Yes, and in view of these concerns,
the state and federal governments together have provided a $25.6 million
transition package to Western Australia's sheep and goat industry. The funding
consists of a $21.6 million commitment by the state government and a $4 million
commitment by the Australian Government. The package includes support for
producers via eID tag discounts, which have been available since 2023; a supply
chain infrastructure grants program; and on-the-ground support and education
from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
(2) The minister continues to engage
closely with industry to monitor the implementation. The tag incentive payment
scheme will be reviewed later in 2026 to analyse uptake and consider industry
needs going forward.
(3) Not applicable.
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