Applications are now open for the second round of the Minns Government’s eID rebate program, which provides eligible farmers and livestock agents with a 50 percent rebate, up to $1,500, for the purchase of a handheld eID reader. This latest $2 million round follows strong uptake of the eID Tag Discount program, which has seen over 15.5 million discounted eID tags purchased since November 2024.
The NSW Government, supported by the Federal Government, has committed $41 million to implement the federally mandated electronic identification system for sheep and goats in the state, marking the largest funding contribution of any state or territory. The rollout forms part of the Minns Government’s broader investment of more than $1 billion in biosecurity to protect and secure the state’s agricultural industries.
Since January 1, 2025, over 3.5 million electronic identification tags have been scanned at NSW saleyards, with approximately 58.8 percent of sheep and goats moving through saleyards already equipped with eID. Under current transitional rules, older animals are not required to carry individual eID until January 1, 2027, so overall uptake is expected to continue rising as younger tagged stock replaces older animals.
Handheld eID equipment supports producers and agents in meeting mandatory requirements while improving on-farm management through the collection of accurate individual animal data. Access to reliable traceability systems enhances biosecurity response capability and helps maintain continued market access for NSW livestock products.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty encouraged eligible producers to apply for the rebate, noting that the program helps offset the costs of transitioning to eID, strengthens biosecurity, and ensures NSW producers remain competitive in global markets. Applications for the $2 million rebate round close at 4 pm AEST on 31 August 2026.
