November 8, 2022
The State Government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to cattle branding laws, including the introduction of an annual fee to renew brands and earmarks.
Producers could also decide to stop branding their cattle altogether.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the government was keen to hear from stakeholders.
“Branding could remain mandatory or producers could be allowed to decide whether or not to brand or earmark their cattle under a voluntary approach,” Minister Furner said.
“None of the proposals involve removing the ability to brand, rather, livestock owners would be given the freedom to decide what’s in their own best interest.
“Queensland’s Brands Act 1915 is more than 100 years old and has not been significantly changed in decades.
“That’s why Queensland needs a modern approach to brands and earmarks that is more efficient for livestock owners and gives them a choice.”
He said brands no longer serve the significant biosecurity function they once did.
“With advances in technology, there are now far more effective ways of tracing livestock in the event of a disease outbreak,” Minister Furner said.
“Not all cattle owners want to brand. However, for those who see value in using a brand to identify stock, branding would still be available under both of these proposals.”
Queensland and the Northern Territory were now the only Australian jurisdictions that mandated the use of livestock brands.
Mr Furner said current fees did not reflect the cost of the staffing levels and IT systems needed to administer brands.
“Having a renewal fee will cover administration costs and free up unused brands for livestock producers who currently find it hard to register the brand they want,” he said.
- The proposed changes and a feedback questionnaire are now available at the DAF Engagement Hub
Money-grabbing government! A brand and earmark is the ONLY way to prove ownership – NLIS tags are too easily removed and replaced.