Question Time

Sheep and Goat Electronic Identification

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:17): I seek leave to give a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Primary Industries a question regarding traceability.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: In the federal budget, the Albanese government allocated $46.7 million to develop improved livestock traceability systems around the nation; $26.6 million of this will go towards upgrading the traceability system therefore leaving $20.1 million for co-investment in regard to electronic identification with all other states and territories around the nation. In Victoria, the implementation of mandatory electronic identification was phased in over several years, with contributions from the Victorian government costing them approximately $17 million in subsidies over three years.

My question to the minister is: given it is clear that $20.1 million will not be sufficient to roll out a national co-contribution system divided up around the states, what investment will the Malinauskas government commit to the mandatory rollout of the sheep and goat EID in South Australia?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:19): I thank the honourable member for her question. The subject of electronic identification is incredibly important. The state government is supportive of improvements to livestock traceability that assist with emergency animal disease responses and maintaining access to international markets.

The state government has been working closely with industry, and a traceability steering committee was formed, as I have mentioned previously in this place. That Livestock SA sheep and goat traceability steering committee has provided a report, which I am advised was received by government on Friday. That report has been developed and will inform an implementation and communication strategy for our state. I will be considering that report closely before being able to make further decisions, along with my cabinet colleagues, and will make any further announcements following that.