Western Australia’s Tag Incentive Payment (TIP) for electronic identification (eID) tags has been expanded and extended for a fourth year to support sheep and goat producers transitioning to the national livestock traceability system.
A 60-cent discount per eID tag will apply to 2026 orange year-of-birth tags, as well as pink and yellow tags required for older sheep and goats leaving a property once the mandatory system becomes fully operational on 1 July 2026.
The Australia-wide eID system for sheep and goats is designed to strengthen animal traceability, support rapid response in the event of an emergency animal disease or food safety issue, and help maintain key trade relationships and export markets.
Since the TIP scheme began in April 2023, more than 10 million eID tags have been sold under the program, administered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
DPIRD animal product integrity and traceability manager Michael Britton commended producers for adopting the new system.
“We applaud the early adopters of eID, who have helped saleyard and abattoir operators to test the new eID technology, before the system becomes fully operational,” said Britton.
“This will aid a smooth transition to the new system, while enhancing traceability, which is important to reduce the impact of an emergency animal disease incident.”
From 1 January 2025, all new sheep and goats must be eID tagged before leaving their birth property or within six months of birth.
From 1 July 2026, all sheep and goats must be eID tagged before leaving any property, regardless of age, with all movements scanned and recorded on the National Livestock Identification System database.
WA saleyards and abattoirs began scanning eID tags on 1 July 2025.
DPIRD continues to help industry adapt to the new requirements, with two outreach and engagement officers visiting saleyards, abattoirs, export depots and feedlots to assist with the transition.
The new TIP scheme will operate from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.