Financial assistance for sheep and goat electronic identification (eID)

Mandatory individual electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats started in Queensland on 1 January 2025, as part of an agreed national initiative.

Point-of-sale discounts

Discounted eID devices are now available to Queensland sheep and goat producers with an active property identification code (PIC).

The $0.75 discount applies to NLIS- accredited eID devices (breeder and post breeder and any colour). The discount will be applied by the retailer or manufacturer at the time of purchase.

The program will operate until June 2027, or until funding is exhausted.

How to access the discount

Producers do not need to complete an application form to receive the discount; however, you will still need to have an approved NLIS device order form (online or from a Department of Primary Industries office with a biosecurity officer's signature).

NLIS equipment and reader rebate

The NLIS reader and equipment rebate is available to producers, processors, saleyards, agricultural show sub-chambers and livestock agents who have not previously applied.

It provides:

  • 50% rebate up to $1,600 per PIC for eligible Queensland sheep and goat producers
  • 50% rebate up to $2,500 for small saleyards or $65,000 for large saleyards in Queensland
  • 50% rebate up to $2,500 for small processors, $10,000 for medium processors or $85,000 for large processors in Queensland
  • 50% rebate up to $1,600 for Queensland livestock agents and agricultural show sub-chambers.

How to apply for a rebate

Read the following guidelines for information about rebate eligibility and how to apply:

Rebate application forms

Key dates for rebates

  • Applications opened: 30 March 2026
  • Applications close: 30 September 2026 or earlier if all funds are exhausted
  • Assessment process: Eligibility-based
  • Outcomes of applications: Within 30 business days
  • Claims for eligible costs: Eligible items can be purchased from 1 January 2023

2024–2025 scheme review

The Queensland Sheep and Goat Electronic Identification Rebate Scheme (the scheme) ran from 29 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.

Independent consultant ACIL Allen reviewed the scheme, which included consultation with:

  • producers
  • state and national peak industry bodies
  • processors
  • saleyards
  • government agencies.

The review, which finished in October 2025, found that:

  • the uptake of financial assistance was less than expected. Possible reasons for this include:
    • overestimating the number of potential applications, particularly from producers
    • closure of the scheme before some could apply
    • the structure of the assistance being a capped rebate
    • communications, particularly to small producers
    • lack of industry readiness to implement eID
  • there was a high level of support for eID and its importance to livestock industry integrity
  • Queensland, like other states, experienced constraints in the rollout of financial assistance.

The review recommended a second round of financial assistance and ongoing industry engagement to enhance early adoption and industry readiness for full implementation of sheep and goat eID by 1 January 2027.