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Row over funding of cattle ID scheme
21 Apr 2004
A battle is brewing between the state and federal governments and livestock producers over funding for the introduction of the National Livestock Identification Scheme. The Cattle Council of Australia will meet today with the Federal Agriculture Minister to demand $20 million over the next three years to support NLIS's introduction. CCA says state governments should match the federal funding.
The Victorian Government is committing up to $15 million over five years, while the NSW, SA, WA and Tasmanian governments will provide smaller amounts. But Queensland and the NT have not yet provided any support. The Federal Government claims it's a state burden but the CCA says it's a national project and would lead to major cost savings in the event of a disease outbreak. Also, a lack of government assistance would put the Australian livestock industry at a trading disadvantage to other countries, where such schemes all get government backing, CCA president Keith Adams said.
Australian Financial Review, 21/4/04.
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