Electronic Identification

193 The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) ().30 November 2022). Can the minister advise:

1. What is the expected timeframe for producers to completely transfer to the electronic identification system for sheep and goats?

2. Will government assistance be available to assist producers transition to electronic identification?

3. Will penalties apply if producers fail to complete the transition within the required timeframe?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I have been advised:

1. All state and territory agriculture ministers have supported the implementation of mandatory sheep and goat elD and will continue to work towards the 1 January 2025 implementation date.

Consultation with South Australian industry stakeholders regarding the implementation of elD for sheep and goats is continuing via the Livestock SA Sheep and Goat Traceability Project funded by PIRSA and the Sheep Industry Fund.

Following the stakeholder consultation, the South Australian implementation plan, detailing the timeframes, is expected to be delivered in early 2023 and this will contribute toward the national implementation process.

2. The recent 2022 federal budget allocated $20.1 million for co-investment with state and territories to progress sheep and goat elD implementation. The national Sheep and Goat Traceability Task Force (SGTTF) has been tasked with progressing the national implementation of sheep and goat elD, including the establishment of equitable funding arrangements between the commonwealth and state jurisdictions.

Details of how implementation will roll out in SA, including specific producer and industry support, will be guided by state-based stakeholder consultation, and will carefully consider the needs of all sectors along the sheep and goat supply chain.

3. The national implementation of sheep and goat elD will include harmonising NLIS sheep and goat standards with state and territory legislation and regulations. PIRSA's compliance activities in the early stages of implementation will involve both education and support to assist producers transition to the elD system.

Specific details surrounding state government compliance activities, including timeframes and penalties, will be reflective of industry expectations and aim to support industry in meeting implementation outcomes.