15 May 2024

Key items of discussion and outcomes included:

• Essential equipment requirements for producers
  • Members provided feedback on essential equipment rebate options to assist eligible producers who have specific NLIS reporting and recording obligations, which require scanning equipment.
  • Members agreed a flat rate of 75% rebate up to a maximum dollar value, with different rates based on number of head moved onto property directly from another property.
  • Members provided advice on the equipment eligible for the rebate. PIRSA will further scope eligibility criteria including who can apply, what equipment and the level of rebate and provide options to the Minister for consideration.
• Essential equipment requirements for stock agents
  • Members provided feedback on essential equipment rebate to assist agents who have specific NLIS reporting and recording obligations, which require scanning equipment.
  • PIRSA will further scope eligibility criteria including who can apply, what equipment and the level of rebate for consideration by IAC.
• Essential equipment and infrastructure rebate – saleyard and processors
  • Three Needs Analysis have been received to date and are undergoing technical assessment.
  • Members discussed possible reasons why only a small number of Needs Analysis have been submitted. Members will reach out through their networks to provide further insights to any barriers and provide feedback to PIRSA.
  • Members were supportive of setting a due date for processors and saleyards to submit their Needs Analysis ahead of the rebate close date of 30 June 2025.
• Communication and extension
  • It is important that tag resellers are provided with up to date eID information to display onsite, as they are often the key point of contact for producers. Printed materials should be provided where feasible.
  • Members reiterated the importance of technical extension as fundamental to the success of eID implementation, as demonstrated in Victoria.
  • Members discussed tag retention rates, producer tips and instruction for tag placement. Tag manufacturers include instructions with tag orders and there are explainer videos online.  It was agreed that it is a national issue and should be raised at the Sheep and Goat Traceability Taskforce.

Key items for discussion at the next meeting include agent rebates for essential equipment and infrastructure and an update on eID tag statistics will be provided.

The next meeting of the Industry Advisory Committee is planned for July 2024.