The Queensland Government has allocated a further $500,000 in staff resources for the implementation of the National Livestock Indentification Scheme (NLIS) due from 1 July next year, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said today.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Primary Industries & Fisheries, Henry Palaszczuk
prim...@cabinet.qld.gov.au
--====----====----====----====----===

21/07/04

Mr Palaszczuk said the additional staff resources for implementation through planning and industry awareness programs was on top of $4.4 million allocated for animal health certification and traceability this financial year (2004-05).

"NLIS now has bi-partisan support in Queensland. Nevertheless, the Queensland Government has deferred the introduction of the electronice traceability system
12 months," Mr Palaszczuk said.

"NLIS is to be introduced nationally on a mandatory basis to ensure our reputation as a clean and safe farmed animal producer remains intact."

"Outbreaks of Mad Cow Disease in countries such as the US, Canada and Japan in recent years as well as Foot and Mouth Disease in the United Kingdom have highlighted the importance of an immediate traceability and identification system."

Mr Palaszczuk said the Queensland Government had ensured the State had one of the most advanced systems and the introduction of NLIS nationally would be an important development.

Mr Palasczuk said while NLIS was being introduced nationally, there had been a distinct lack of national leadership by the Federal Government over the last
12 months.

"The current Federal Coalition Government has foreshadowed only $2 million for NLIS across Australia this financial year," Mr Palaszczuk said.

Mr Palaszczuk said the State Government's funding allocation for NLIS in Queensland was in line with its election commitment to support the infrastructure, not subsidise tags for producers.

"The modest financial commitment of the current Federal Coalition Government will not subsidise tags for producers," he said.

Media contact: Kirby Anderson 3239 3004